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Chapter 9: Final Conflict

While Martin was getting ready for the trip to the Imperial City, Dragon was conversing with Rana in the main hall. ''So you sound like the usual guy who seeks adventure and then gets himself killed due to his pride.'' Dragon smirked.

''Heh... if I was then I wouldn't be here right now would I?''

''True. So what treasures did you get from your time at Vvardenfell?'' He thought for a second and then responded.

''There was this artifact called Goldbrand... a longsword completely made of gold, made by dragons. Had the power of fire within it and was powerful indeed. But I lost in Solstheim, northwest of Vvardenfall. I was with a group of adventurers that were hunting a monster called the Udyrfrykte that resided in the cold wastes up north, hoping for a huge reward from the local Nord tribes and the from the mead-hall of Thirsk. I brought Goldbrand with me since I heard that the beast would be weak to fire. We found a cave entrance at the southeast corner of a frozen lake near the mead-hall, littered with bones. We found the monster. It was a horrifying ape-like creature that wore some sort of glowing mask. Took about three hours to kill and during the fight the beast knocked Goldbrand out of my hands and it fell down into a nearby abyss. Along with that we lost most of our men.'' Dragon gave a heavy sigh.

''Pfft. Don't worry.''

''Ah! It was one of my greatest treasures! And I lost it!''

''You know if you asked me about it sooner I might have gotten it back for you...'' Rana and Dragon looked behind them and saw that Hekem had appeared, sitting on a chair. In his hand was a long golden sword with a small handle.

''WHAT?! HOW DID YOU...?!''

''An artifact like this disappears when lost and reappears somewhere else. Thankfully I was able to collect this during my travels here. Be thankful that I had this.'' He handed it to Dragon who beheld the item he had lost years ago. He smiled and hugged the Magus.

''Thanks. Its like a lost memory...''

''Yes well I believe it will be better than the sword you had previously.'' Dragon forgot about the evil sword. Desperately he looked around but could not find it. ''Dragon...'' He ignored Hekem until he screamed at him. ''DRAGON!'' It was like the sound of thunder. ''Dragon... it's right here.'' He pulled out a fleshy blood red sword with serrated sides and a single eye on it's handle. It tried to wriggle free from his hand. ''A really dangerous item you had in your possession. Created by the demons of Kamal in Akavir thousands of years ago it made its way to Tamriel when the Imperials failed to conquer Akavir. A lone soldier found it and the sword took over his body. Over the years the sword kept transferring bodies and feeding itself with the blood of many. Until Lord Mha found it. Since Mha did not have a physical body at the time it was unable to take over until you killed Mha and then took it. But this time I'll make sure that ends today.'' Hekem grabbed the sword with his two hands and then broke it in two. As he dropped it on the floor a small red mist arose. It seeped through a crack in the door, escaping outside.

''What was that?''

''The spirit of the sword. I can only destroy what is containing it not it's spirit. It's not my destiny to do so. Don't worry. It can't possess people in the state it's in though be wary of it later on in the future.''

''Not your destiny?''

''Yes. Another will destroy it and if I kill it now then it will disrupt the future later on. Do not worry about it anyway. Plus Martin is ready for the trip now. So you two go along now, I'll be watching from afar.'' He disappeared as usual. As the two walked outside they saw Martin with the amulet of kings, fully dressed in the emperor's robes on his horse along with a battalion of Blades. Jauffre came up to the two, leading two horses to them.

''Everyone is ready. Mount up.'' The two Argonians got on their horse and began escorting Martin to the Imperial City. Many of the Blades were eager to talk about ending the war, Martin's coronation into emperor, and lighting the Dragonfires. But Dragon and Rana talked about other things.

''So... tell me about yourself Rana.'' She hesitated at first but then sighed and spoke.

''Well... I was born to a family of nobles in Argonia who had close connections with the king. But despite my noble blood I wasn't really much of one. I always wanted adventure. But I was born under the sign of the Shadow. My parents had protected me from being recruited by the Shadowscales, an organization of legal assassins in Argonia but one day I wandered too far from the house and they kidnapped me. My father talked to the king but there was nothing he could do, for one born under the birthsign of the Shadow was destined to be an assassin. It was pretty harsh to be an assassin. They beat me at times if I didn't know how to string a bow right or how to parry an attack. But I got it eventually. When I was twelve I was one of the best of the Shadowscales. Due to my skill I was accepted into the Dark Brotherhood at an early age. Then I was sent on one of my biggest missions I ever had in my life. To infiltrate the Morag Tong and bring them down. It was a legal assassin organization that rivaled the Brotherhood. I went to Vvardenfall during the Dagoth Ur crisis and was able to successfully infiltrate the rival organization but could only bring it into infighting with each other. Still I was able to weaken them and was rewarded with this.'' She reached under her armor and brought out a serpent necklace, hanging from her neck. ''They said the necklace allowed the users snake based magic. However I could never use it since I wasn't that good in magic and I doubt it would work now since I'm out of the Brotherhood. But anyway I met a cute Argonian like you back in Morrowind while I was infiltrating the Morag Tong.''

''Really? What happened to him?''

''I killed him.''

''Oh.''

''When I told him about me being an assassin and he tried to report me to the local authorities. I had no choice. I stopped him and dragged him into an alleyway. There I repeatedly stabbed him with my sword until he was lifeless. I was pretty sad. The one I really liked was going to compromise my entire mission and now he was dead.'' She shed a single tear from her eye. ''But anyway later on I was stationed at Cyrodiil. At the Cheydinal Dark Brotherhood sanctuary. Met alot of people I made friends with. But there were a group of Argonians there that well... became more than just friends with me.'' Dragon became intrigued.

''Let me guess...'' He smirked. ''Sex?'' Rana blushed a little.

''Ya... had sex with all of them atleast two times. But there was the exception of Rakeem... I slept with him about twenty times.'' Dragon's jaw dropped.

''Wait... Rakeem? The one that tried to kill me? How can you manage that many times!''

''Well I got used to it. And yes Rakeem if those words didn't get through your head completely. Also don't worry about him. He and his friend Talar disappeared a few months ago.''

''Disappeared?''

''Ya. One day they were here and the next day they were gone. No one found or knew where they were... except me.''

''So... how do you know?'' Dragon questioned Rana.

''I heard them talking in there room late at night when I would usually hear pleasurable moans or loud sounds.''

''Wait... They have sex? Man to man?!''

''Ya. But he has sex with women too. So he doesn't mainly stay on his little friend. But anyway when I heard them they were talking about going to Akavir, the mysterious land far east of Tamriel. Never told a single soul. The two were my friends and... the ones I slept with, I could never betray them.''

''Akavir? Heard It's a deathtrap over there from what I've heard about the place.''

''Well Rakeem said he received a vision from Sithis to head over to Akavir and find a sword called Blood Drinker. I went back to sleep figuring that they would probably ask Lucien for permission to go on the trip. Never did.''

''Was there a manhunt for them?''

''Nah. Things went back to normal. The Blackhand usually takes care of runaways. Still the sanctuary was never the same. Got boring without those two and afterwards I was feeling a little homesick. I asked Lucien if I could go back to Argonia to visit my family for only a few weeks but he rejected saying that my duties were here only unless they took me outside Cyrodiil. I begged him but he turned away and eventually I decided to leave the brotherhood. Of course they didn't let me off so easily. I was hunted by my former friends at the sanctuary. I eluded them but they still search for me day and night.''

''Well your with me now so don't worry.''

''Aw... How sweet of you!'' She pinched Dragon's cheek. ''Thanks but I can take care of myself. So enough about me. What about you?

''Well I was raised on a plantation on Morrowind's mainland, near Mournhold. My real parents left me there for unknown reasons. The Argonian couple that found me were workers on that plantation. At age five I was put to work and for eight years I served the Dark Elf family that owned the plantation. I escaped at age thirteen promising myself to free the slaves and my step parents that were enslaved there. The Dumner thought I was dead so there was no use looking for a single slave. I snuck aboard a ship to Vvardenfall and went treasure hunting there. Of course I didn't start out easy. I worked at an Argonian mission in Ebonheart, earning a small fee everyday but with a little help from someone I befriended I was able to get the proper sword and armor I needed to go treasure hunting. I kinda got pulled into the Dagoth Ur crisis. You see I kinda helped the Nerevarine defeat Dagoth Ur.''

''Really?!''

''Ya but I won't go into the details, too lazy. But after the Nerevarine left and Dagoth dead I worked for the Twin Lamps. Got alot of money too.''

''Twin Lamps? Isn't that a secret organization that helps Argonian and Khajiit slaves escape from their masters?''

''Ya. While I was there I was able to free thousands of slaves from that Vvardenfall and back to Argonia. I was also able to buy the plantation my step parents were on and freed them. But I'm not sure if I'm still a part of the Twin Lamps. A few months back I was chased by House Indoril, a powerful Dumner house composed of Dark Elf warriors. Chased me all the way to Cyrodiil and went to jail once some Imperial soldiers saw me. Almost got sent back to Morrowind until the Blades pulled some strings. Met the Emperor there before he died. Said that I was the one from his dreams.''

''Interesting. So your like a chosen one kinda guy?''

''I'm not sure. But soon all the madness that has happened in the past months will finally come to an end.''

---

When the group arrived at the Imperial City it was already sunset. They dismounted, leaving their horses at a nearby stable. The Imperial Watch greeted them and opened the city gates. A man in a white and gold version of an Imperial soldier's armor approached Martin and bowed. ''Please there is no need to bow. I am not Emperor yet.'' The man rose back up.

''Forgive me. My hospitality to my superiors gets to my head at times. I am Giovanni Civello, Imperial Legion commander. We've cleared the streets for you so that you may get to the Palace without any trouble.''

''Thank you. Lead the way.'' The palace grounds were made up mostly of tombs and graves of past emperors or famous people. On a raised platform surrounded by arches was the Imperial Palace. A huge long tower that reached up to thousand feet. The commander stopped at the tower entrance.

''High Chancellor Ocato is waiting for you within.''

''Good... Let's finish this.'' Inside was another set of doors leading to another room. There were small hallways on either side that led to different areas of the tower. As the group passed through the doors inside they entered a huge domed room with pillars near the walls. In the middle was a huge round stone table surrounded by chairs with people of all races sitting in them, looking at the group. In the back was a larger empty chair that seemed fit for a king. Sitting next to the chair was a High Elf. High Chancellor Ocato. He had small wrinkles in the corner of his eyes, few at his mouth, and his cheeks. His eyes were a little small and his short brown hair brushed back. He wore red robes laced with golden designs. He rose from his chair and bellowed a bit for Martin to hear.

''Ah... Martin Septim! The Elder Council has been eager to see you. All the council members have agreed for your coronation into emperor.'' Ocato approached Martin, he kneeled and began saying some words. ''Martin Septim, on behalf of the Elder Council we hereby proclaim you...'' Before he could finish a man dressed in chainmail ran into the room.

''Chancellor Ocato!''

''Can't you see I'm in the middle of something important!''

''Forgive me but Oblivion Gates have appeared all around the city, the guards are overwhelmed!''

''Dammit! A last resort to stop us I presume.'' Large pounding could be heard and the doors burst open. Men in black armor charged into the room and attacked the guards. The council members fled from their seats and into the back of the room. Jauffre ordered the Blades to protect Martin with their lives as more of the black armored men came in. One of them was about to shoot Martin with an arrow but was stopped as his head sprouted a single arrow. Martin nodded his head in thanks to Rana as she lowered her bow. Dragon drew his sword Goldbrand and slashed the first one to attack him. He burst into flames screaming and ran out of the tower. Another attacked Dragon from behind, grabbing his hands by the wrists. He pulled his arms to the front and then elbowed the man in the stomach. He delivered a chop using his hand to the man's neck. Then he thrust Goldbrand through him and pushed him away as he roasted. As the rest of them were defeated Dragon looked more closely at the men and noticed that they were dressed in the same armor as the ones at Miscarcand.

'What are they doing here?' Dragon thought. Once all the intruders were dead Martin spoke to Ocato.

''Let's hurry to the Temple of The One in the Temple district. If we stall any longer we might get ourselves besieged in the palace and we'd be doomed. Once the Dragonfires are lit then all of this will end!''

''As you wish. Guards! Form up and protect the Emperor! To the Temple of The One!'' Ocato replied. ''Also escort the council members upstairs to either the library or the battlemage quarters.'' A few palace guards herded the panicking council members to the upper levels of the tower. As the guards quickly prepared to escort Martin, Dragon approached and warned him.

''Careful Martin. These men were the ones I faced at Miscarcand. Daedra won't be the only enemies we'll be facing out there.''

''Don't worry. We're all capable of fighting, even if it means to our last breath. Lighting the Dragonfires may be our only hope now of ending this war! Come! To the Temple!'' As all of them got out of the palace they saw a the same black armored men fighting the palace guards out in the courtyard and graves. Dragon saw the sky, it was the same sky he would always see in Oblivion. ''Quick save those men, we need all the help we can get!'' Suddenly a powerful gust of wind lifted the black armored men off their feet and blasting them far away from the city. A humanoid figure materialized in front of the Martin, Dragon, and Rana. It was Hekem. He smiled and waved at the three.

''I think you'll be needing my help in this fight. The Witch-king has erected the portals in the city to stop you not the Daedra. He's apparently made a deal with Mehrunes Dagon.''

''Who are you?!'' Ocato questioned Hekem.

''Just a little friend. Now everyone huddle together!'' Once everyone huddled together Hekem began casting a spell and then they all found themselves in the Temple district of the city. Mostly everything there was in flames. The buildings were razed or damaged, trees burnt to the crisp, civilians lying dead on the streets, the Imperial Watch fighting the Daedra. The only thing that wasn't damaged or desacrated was the Temple of The One. A large domed structure in the middle of all the fighting. The sounds of the two sides clashing together was like thunder happening every second. ''Well? What are you waiting for! Ocato and Jauffre! Lead your men to defeat the demons down there!'' Ocato and Jauffre nodded and they led the guards to aid the men fighting the Daedra. ''Alright lets get you three to the temple.'' Hekem began casting a spell but then he grasped his hand in pain. ''Ah! Dammit the Witch-king's magic stirs in the air. He's preventing me from doing any spells here and has disabled my body's magical properties. I'm mortal and vulnerable now. In that case we'll get to the Temple the hard way, fighting. Rana take this.'' He handed Rana a steel arrow which seemed crackled as if lightning were in it. ''Shoot it there.'' He pointed to where a mass of Daedroths were eviscerating both guards and Blades. Rana shot the mass and all the demons exploded in a mass of blood, sparing the remaining fighters. ''Good that leaves us a bit of a clear path to the Temple. Martin stay behind Dragon, Rana cover our flank. I'll protect all of you.'' Rana looked at Hekem, puzzled.

''All of us? If you can't use any magic than your pretty much useless.''

''Ah... Do not judge a book by its cover as they say nowadays.'' Hekem replied. He unsheathed a beautiful sword underneath his robes. ''Good thing I took this with me.'' Dragon remembered the sword.

''Angelic Alliance?''

''Yup. Very effective against anything impure, unholy, and demonic. Anyway lets go.'' While they fought through the hordes of Daedra, Dragon spoke to Hekem.

''So why is the Witch-king here?!'' As he finished his sentence he cleaved Goldbrand into the head of a Dremora.

''He's not really here but some of his forces are. He wants the Daedra to win. He knows that his magic and armies can subdue Mehrunes Dagon and his minions. It's been his plan all along. A very simple and easy plan. With the heart of the Empire destroyed and the other provinces weakened from the war he can easily take their lands by force.'' He then slashed his sword across the chest of a Dremora that leapt into the air aiming for Martin. The demon was incinerated by holy flames.

''He's that powerful?!'' Dragon bellowed as he decapitated a spider daedra.

''He is not powerful as a Daedric Prince... yet but the dark magic he knows is powerful enough to subdue Dagon.'' With that Hekem thrust his sword into Xivilai's throat that was about to attack Rana from behind. He quickly pulled it out and sliced the demon in two at the waist.

''Thanks!'' Rana yelled as she saw the Xivilai's corpse. Slowly the group made progress toward the Temple and soon spotted Oblivion gates behind it. Hekem yelled for Ocato. He came with a small party of battle mages, dressed in Imperial armor and mage hoods.

''I want all of you to fire all the destruction spells you know at any Oblivion gate you see. The magic will temporarily disrupt the gate. I would do it myself but a force here is preventing me from doing so.'' They all looked at each other, unsure of the plan that Hekem was thinking about. ''JUST DO IT!'' His voice boomed like thunder and Ocato ordered his men to do as he said. They all raised their hands at a gate on the streets. Lightning, fire, ice, and all other offensive magic was being fired at the gate. The gate eventually was disrupted and the Daedra that were halfway through were cut in half. ''They'll come back within a few minutes but its the best we can do for the men fighting here. Now go! Do the same to the other gates!'' But as they headed for the rest of the gates a cluster of rocks quickly revolving around an unseen mass crashed into them, killing some. It quickly formed into a huge bulky humanoid figure with lightning coursing through its rock body. ''Get out of the way! Storm Atronach!'' It swiped up one of the battlemages and crushed him in it's hands while shocking him as well. As it threw away it's victim it fired large quantities of lightning at the party of battlemages. ''Rana do you have any magic damage arrows?!'' As soon as she pulled out an arrow she stabbed into the head of a Dremora she nodded at Hekem. ''Get the attention of that atronach while I kill it from behind. Dragon don't let any other Daedra kill the battlemages. Martin! Go with Dragon, he'll protect you. Do you have a weapon incase?'' Martin revealed a silver shortsword underneath his robes. ''Alright lets go!'' The plan was set and everyone went to do their own part.

Rana fired her arrows at the atronach and it immediately went for her, ignoring the Ocato and his battlemages who hurried to the next Oblivion gate. It let out a groan sounding like two rocks roughly sliding together as more and more magic damage arrows hit it. While it was occupied, Hekem silently sneaked behind it. He began to climb on its back despite the shock magic battering his body with each rock he grabbed onto. The atronach didn't notice the Argonian climbing his back and continued heading for Rana. Hekem came upon a small gap on its back large enough for a hand that revealed the inside of the atronach's body. It was completely hollow except for a single small floating rock about the size of a fist in the middle of the body. Lightning and shock magic traveled throughout the body, making Hekem's job ever so dangerous. With haste he reached for the stone, resisting the pain he felt as lightning blasted his arm. Once he grabbed it the atronach turned its head around and saw Hekem. Fruitlessly it attempted to get the Argonian off its back. Finally Hekem pulled the entire stone from its body and the atronach collapsed into a pile of rocks. Rana rushed to the pile and found Hekem buried underneath, though alive. She dug him out and pulled him back on his feet. ''Thanks... Would've been a lot easier with my magic.''

''Couldn't you have just killed it with your sword?''

''Angelic Alliance doesn't affect elemental creatures unfortunately. Still that's just one of the atronachs around here fighting.'' Rana noticed Hekem's left hand was burnt.

''Hang on a sec.'' She placed her hand against his and a small light lit under her palm and his hand began to recover from the burns. ''I know some restoration spells but they aren't powerful. That's all I can do.'' Once she was done Hekem's hand only had a few burn marks on it left.

''Thanks. But lets get Dragon and Martin back.'' They found the two aiding a group of Blades fighting some Daedra. As the last demon fell Hekem and Rana grabbed onto both of their arms and hurried towards the Temple. As they almost came upon the entrance an enormous pillar of flame came down upon the earth and as it dissipated a huge figure revealed itself. It stood at three-hundred feet high, the face it had was fearsome. It's skin was blood red and etched with markings. Black horns protruded from it's head. It wore an black armored skirt just like a Xivilai. It also had four arms and each had a either an axe or talons. It wore a black armor that covered only its shoulders and neck. Hekem fell to the ground. ''No! Dammit! We're too late! The barriers between our worlds are now completely gone! Mehrunes Dagon is now here! The Dragonfires won't work anymore now that he is here.'' Rana, Dragon, and Martin looked in terror as the Daedric Prince towered over them.

''That's Mehrune's Dagon?! I've seen his statues but they're nothing compared to this!'' Dragon said. Martin kneeled down to Hekem's level.

''NO! Not now! We can't just give up! No... the gods would not let Tamriel burn before their eyes... no... They must have something planned!'' Hekem looked back at Martin with a grim face.

''I cannot prevent your death now since Mehrunes Dagon is finally here...'' Martin looked back with startled eyes.

''My death?''

''Yes.. your death... You were destined to die here Martin. I've been trying to prevent that. I saw what would happen in the future if you became emperor. Tamriel would flourish under your rule and under your bloodline. The line of the Septims would be remade once again. But I saw what would happen after your death. War, treason, bloodshed, the killing of innocents... everything... Its hard to see how the world your sworn to protect continues to fill with evil. It seems Magnus was right about time. You can never change it, you can never control it, never create it. But now I have no choice but to see to it that what time has decreed, happens.''

''Your going to kill me?!''

''No! When you died you saved Tamriel. Now tell me what do you think you can do that might banish Dagon back to Oblivion?'' Martin pondered on this. He seemed to have thought of something but looked hesitant. He looked around and saw the guards being slaughtered by the Daedra. Jauffre was tiring and his arm was already crippled but he continued fighting. The Blades were beginning to be cut down one by one. Innocents had their lives ended far too short. Martin closed his eyes and shed a single tear.

''I don't know if this will work but it's worth a try.''

''Then you know the rest Martin... Dragon! Rana! I want both of you to protect Martin will your lives! Once he gets inside the Temple he'll do the rest! Is that understood!'' The two nodded. ''Then get going! I'll be right behind you!'' Dagon aimed for Martin and the group narrowly dodged and attack from his axe. They were now in front of the Temple doors but stopped as they heard an ear piercing scream. Behind them appeared five figures cloaked in black tattered robes with deadly looking longswords. They wore steel gauntlets and boots but had no face. Their swords pointed at Martin as they slowly approached the group. Dragon unsheathed his sword but Hekem stopped him. ''No Dragon, I'll deal with these wraiths.''

''What are they?'' Martin said.

''Wraiths, called Nazgul from where they came from. Sent by the Witch-king to kill you. Powerful magic can only kill these wraiths and Angelic Alliance is all that I need to do so. Get to the Temple now before these wraiths kill me or Dagon turns his attention back at Martin!'' Dragon looked at the Daedric Prince and noticed he wasn't paying attention to them. Someone was distracting the Prince. He looked around and saw an Argonian drawing Dagon's attention away from the group. Hekem charged at the wraiths while Dragon and Rana led Martin into the Temple. The Temple insides were small with only a large round stone altar in the middle surrounded by four pillars. The altar was embedded with nine colored gems making a circle, representing each Divine. The altar's middle contained a small empty fire pit with the gems around it. Martin climbed up onto the altar. Dragon yelled at him.

''What are you doing Martin?! Lighting the Dragonfires won't work!'' But regardless of his friend's words he lit the fires anyway as the amulet of kings shined brightly and a fire appeared inside the pit. Rana spoke to Dragon.

''What do you think he's doing?''

''I don't know.'' Martin stood over the fire and told the two Argonians his plan.

''I'm going to join my blood with the divine blood of Akatosh that resides inside the amulet.'' Dragon looked at Martin with a befuddled look.

''You can't be serious Martin?''

''I am. Even though the amulet was never intended as a weapon this may work... or not. Worth a try though. By the way I will die in the process I believe.''

''Martin no! The Empire needs you! Tamriel needs you!''

''Yes but this may be the only way to banish Dagon back to Oblivion! I've lived a good long life anyway but the rebuilding and fate of the Empire rests on the shoulders of the people of Tamriel. Farewell. You've been a good friend in the short time I've known you. Now I must go, the dragon awaits.'' Martin grabbed the amulet from his neck and raised it high about to smash it into the fire. Dragon yelled at him.

''NO!'' Once Martin smashed the amulet it exploded in a burst of light, engulfing him in the blast. The light from the amulet shot toward the sky and smashed through the Temple dome, blasting the entire roof away. The light then expanded and stretched into the shape of a dragon. It solidified and there stood a golden dragon that stood at Dagon's height. Martin was nowhere to be seen. Dragon and Rana looked at the dragon in amazement. Mehrunes Dagon turned around and saw the dragon.

As Hekem fought the Nazgul he saw the Temple's roof blasted away and the golden dragon that appeared from it. The Nazgul fled from the battle as they saw the dragon. All the Daedra looked in fear at the sight of it. Hekem muttered four words. ''The avatar of Akatosh...'' The guards and Blades were amazed at the avatar. Dagon cleaved his axe into the dragon's shoulder and used his talons to rip into its wings. The avatar screeched in pain as he used his other talon rip into it's chest. Dagon then punched it across the face. However as he pulled out his weapons the wounds on the avatar healed instantly, surprising the Prince. The avatar leapt into the air and flew through Dagon as if he were a ghost, injuring him. He then blasted Dagon with a golden breath of flame. Quickly he bit the Prince's neck, with black blood seeping out. As he let go, Dagon became dazed and the golden dragon breathed a holy fire upon the Prince, causing light to burst from his body. Mehrunes Dagon then disappeared, banished back to Oblivion. The Daedra retreated back to the now closing Oblivion gates with their master gone. Everyone cheered at the dragon but then it seemed fatigued, lowering its head and then raised it up high, letting out a loud roar. Suddenly it was turning into stone. Once it's roar was silent, the avatar of Akatosh was now only a statue.

Nighttime fell over the Imperial City as the sky returned to normal. Dragon sat down against the wall in complete disbelief of the events that had just occurred. Rana sat next to him. ''Can't believe he's gone... What an emperor he would've made.'' She comforted him.

''Don't worry. If this is the way the gods planned it then they had a good reason too.''

''I know but out of this war it came at a cost, the end of the Septim bloodline. I wonder who's going start the new bloodline of emperors now, if the Empire ever finds someone worthy of doing it that is.''

''Maybe you?''

''Me?!'' Dragon laughed at this. ''Nah... Too much work and its boring too. I like to be free as a fish in a sea.'' Rana smirked.

''Figures. You always seemed to be the lazy type.'' She looked up into the night sky and laid her head on Dragon's shoulder. ''Beautiful night. Right after a war was ended. I feel like sleeping...'' She yawned and closed her eyes. Dragon closed his eyes as well and fell into a peaceful sleep. Until the doors of the temple burst open. Ocato and Jauffre entered the room, waking up the two Argonians. ''Don't you know how to knock first?''

''I'm sorry if I was so rude but we've won! The war is over! But first where is Martin? I must congratulate him on a job well done!'' Dragon and Rana looked at each other with uncertain faces. Dragon decided to tell Ocato the truth.

''Martin is dead. The golden dragon was him. He fused his blood with the divine blood of Akatosh.''

''What? Dead? He became the avatar of Akatosh himself?! Amazing. We won the war because of him! But... lost an heir and a bloodline. What an emperor he might have made. His sacrifice and legacy will rival that to Tiber Septim's. What he did may have created a permanent protection for Nirn against the forces of Oblivion. Mehrunes Dagon will not bother Tamriel again!'' Jauffre looked up to the dragon statue and smiled.

''Martin truly showed that he was a true Dragonborn. He will never be forgotten for the centuries to come... Thank you Dragon for your participation and help in this war. And Rana too for helping Dragon accomplish our goals. Also give Hekem my thanks, wherever he is. The Blades will now wait for the coronation of another emperor to come as it is our ancient duty and serve him or her when the need arises.'' Jauffre left the Temple but not before praying at the feet of the dragon statue and resting his sword there.

''Listen I know I may not have paid attention to you or your friends before but I must congratulate you both on a job well done. From what Jauffre told me you both have played a vital role in saving Tamriel. But also where is your friend? The Argonian mage?'' Hekem pushed through the Temple doors and stood next to Dragon and Rana.

''Present.'' He said in a fatigued voice.

''Don't you usually come into places with a fancy entrance?'' Dragon asked, curious as to why Hekem wouldn't use his usual entrance.

''Eh I'm tired. No need for using up my energy for such a short walk.''

''The Empire thanks you three for what you have done! As a reward I hereby proclaim you, Dragon as champion of Cyrodiil!'' Ocato bellowed loud enough for an echo if the Temple dome was still there. ''You are now part of an ancient order founded by Tiber Septim hundreds of years ago. The Order of The Dragon. You have been bestowed the highest rank possible in this order. There have only been six champions previously in the history of the Empire.'' Rana looked at Ocato with a stern face.

''What about us?!'' Ocato had forgotten about Hekem and Rana.

''What? Oh! Oh yes! My apologies! Signs of my age nowadays. I proclaim you two heroes of Cyrodiil! It's a rank lower than champion of Cyrodiil. Many others have been given this rank all across Cyrodiil. While we tried to end this war, others helped save the other cities by closing many Oblivion gates.''

''Why does he get champion rank?!''

''Well from what Jauffre told me, he had a bigger influence in this war than you two.'' Rana frowned at this but Hekem just shrugged his arms. ''Also as a reward I will give you Imperial Dragon armor!'' Dragon listened closely to Ocato as he heard the words.

''Imperial Dragon armor you say? Is it the armor Martin wore?''

''Yes. Usually worn by emperors but I feel that you've earned it as your reward. However it'll take two weeks to create and fit your size. Tell me what is your height?''

''Five feet, ten inches.'' Dragon replied. Ocato grabbed out a small piece of paper and jotted down the height.

''Excellent. That's all I need. We could have used Martin's armor but his will not fit an Argonian. Alright once its two weeks you can head for the armory in the Prison district. Now please if you'll excuse me I have important matters to discuss with the Elder Council.'' Once Ocato left the three chatted with each other.

''This sucks! You get armor while we don't get nothing but a fancy title!'' Rana pouted. Hekem put a hand on her shoulder.

''Oh come on now. Not really something you need to whine over about. Now we can all relax with the war over.''

''Is Nirn really protected from Oblivion now?'' Dragon asked Hekem.

''Yes. Martin's sacrifice has created a permanent shield against Oblivion.'' Hekem sighed. ''You know... I wonder if I could've prevented his death... Banish Dagon myself if it weren't for that damn Witch-king. But anyway I must take my leave.'' Hekem went for the door but Dragon called out to him, questioning where he was going. ''I'm going to Frostcrag Spire. It's my home on Tamriel. If you ever want to visit me its just a little east of Bruma. You'll spot it as a huge tower with a spinning top.'' He then disappeared in a flash of light.

''Hmph. How typical of him.'' Rana said. Dragon got up and headed for the door with Rana behind him. ''Where are you going?''

''I'm going to sleep at the inn, unfortunately Ocato didn't say a place to sleep as a reward too. Let's see if there's going to be a celebration tomorrow.''

''Celebration?''

''Ya of course! We just won a war so there's definitely going to be one.''

---

And they were right. There was a huge celebration all across Tamriel the next day that lasted for three days. If only I was there. But I have more important duties to attend too and more training with Magnus. As I sit here writing the final moments of the war of Oblivion I can't help but think to wonder what will happen now. The Witch-king was never part of this world's timeline and thus time does not decree his end or his doings. He is a being free from the orders of our time. The events I foresaw after Martin's death did not include the Witch-king in them. But... for now lets just give thanks that Nirn is safe from the forces of Oblivion. We will worry about the Witch-king later I am sure of it.

I wonder what Martin was thinking during those last moments of his life. Ah forget it! Best not to wander in the past forever. Still its unbelievable that Martin and Dragon did more than what I could to save Nirn. Me! An immortal being could not do what two mortals could! Save Nirn! But it is as time had commanded and so it has been carried out. For now I will reside here in Frostcrag Spire until the need arises for me to aid the people of Tamriel again. With the amulet and the dragon's blood. The sacrifice of the last heir has sealed the gates of Oblivion forever. The last of the Septims now passes into history. I'm sure Martin will be glad knowing that his sacrifice was not in vain. The Third Age has ended and a new age dawns. Perhaps when the next Elder Scroll is written... Well who knows? Maybe you, Dragon will be its scribe.

---

As Hekem finished writing down the events of the war of Oblivion and his last thoughts on it he laid down his pen. He closed the book, titled as 'War on Tamriel: Oblivion'. He placed it on a bookshelf near his bed where it contained books he'd written of other past wars or major events he participated in. He then fell to sleep on his bed, dreaming about the future ahead.

---

YAY! I finally finished this series hurray! Now onward to my other series. I would say The End but eh... I guess it sounds a bit too corny or something like that. Thanks to all of you people who have read this series, despite it being not many people.