A.N. Yet again the geography will be a bit ruined. And why jump back and forward? Because journey would end quickly otherwise.

This time Danny took the lead. He was the only one who knew the directions. He walked in front of the group. Behind him was Serana, who was holding the reins of the horse, atop of which the Dragonborn was sleeping and snoring. It was still night, so the man was resting. All the while the young vampire kept glancing at the half ghost's back, recalling what had happened mere hours ago. They hadn't spoken since setting off. Neither was confident enough at the moment to talk about it. Well, Danny was much better at hiding the embarrassment.

Serana cursed herself quietly. She had probably hurried the events. The vampire wasn't even sure he liked her. But his words made her feel warm inside. Serana had never felt anything like it. At the same time she was confused. Maybe it was indeed too rushed, it could be a mere momentary impulse, something below, even if mistakingly similar to the true feelings for the man accompanying her. Valerica would have probably said it was indeed a childish and naive impulse. She may be over a thousand years old, but inside she was still the same young woman as before the ritual. Serana needed some time to figure everything out. Hopefully Danny wouldn't do any stupid thing which would provoke her to doing the same.

As for Phantom, he also was in two minds about what happened. On one hand, he was kissed by a woman of the exceptional beauty, which didn't happen daily. But he wasn't sure how to react to this, although what he had said to her was truth. It truly was amazing, but there were a lot of things he wasn't sure about. And honestly, his experience with women had been a disaster so far. If only he had Tucker's confidence, not some momentary moments of bravery. Then again, that kind of confidence got his friend in all sorts of trouble. And never would Danny ask his parents, even if he could do that at the moment.

And they just kept walking, until the sun rose. Serana sighed and pulled the hood over her head. She hated that unreachable orb in the sky. Soon they heard Dave shift on his improvised bed. He got up groggily and rubbed his eyes.

"Damn it, that was a wild night," Dovahkiin muttered. "Were you, kids, on legs all this time?

"Yep/yes," they responded simultaneously.

The blonde looked around, tryin to understand where exactly they were. The mountains indicated that it was still the Reach. The landscape did look familiar, however. Dave rubbed his chin in thought.

"How about we get off course a bit, Your Majesty?" He asked Danny with a note of sarcasm.

"Why?" Phantom raised his eyebrow.

"I have a few acquittances nearby, there you could rest for a while. Or at least eat properly. That goat is still disgusting."

"Are we going there just so you could fill the stomach?" Serana asked.

"Not exactly, although it won't be extra. I have an issue to solve," Dave looked back at Danny. "They might as well cast us out, but maybe they have cooled down."

Phantom hummed, glancing at his vampire companion. She just shrugged.

"We might as well check out the place. Is it far?"

"In the base of that mountain," Dovahkiin pointed at the distance of three miles. "This time I'll lead the way."

Both of the undead were curious about where their friend was taking them. They went up the roads they wouldn't have noticed otherwise. They got several cuts from the sharp thorns of the bushes, while Dave, mostly dressed in the pieces of iron, was non phased by the situation. Somehow they ended up in the shadowy place, hidden beneath the lush trees. Only few sun rays managed to get through the leaves. Then the bland rocks were replaced by the stone structures, obviously of no natural origin. The horse couldn't go any further, so it had to be left on a rope again.

Dave warned them to watch where they stepped. There muse have been a lot of traps around. By the notes of his voice Danny guessed that his friend was speaking from quite painful experience. His words proved to be pointless, because Phantom wordlessly floated a few inches above the ground with a smug expression on his face, assuming the lying position. Serana chuckled at his usual antics. He was so childish sometimes. She thought it was cute.

"Nevermind," said the Nord dryly.

A huge wall stood before them. It was engraved with many ancient writings, and there was a huge head made of stone. Its gaze actually gave shivers, quite impressive for a piece of rock.

"Who is the guy?" Danny asked.

"Reman Cyrodiil," Dovahkiin responded.

"Wow, was the guy so cool that the province was named after him?" Phantom chuckled.

"He founded the Second Empire," explained Serana. "Conquered most of Tamriel. Akaviri helped him, they are, or were, a race of men-snakes."

"I didn't know that," Dave mumbled. "The pictures showed that they were humans."

"I was young when he ruled, but I still remember them correctly. Must be the wrong interpretation."

"Cool," Danny breathed. "Not that you are that old, Ser."

"Hey!" The vampire glared at him.

Dovahkiin laughed into his fist, trying to be unheard and miserably failing. Aw, the kid was already using a shortened name. They already started teasing each other. Dave remembered that job he once had from Mara's priests. For a nice sum of money and a blessing from the goddess herself, he had to play a matchmaker for several couples. It ended in him reuniting two lovers' ghosts. His laughter was then abruptly stopped when Serana's glowing eyes turned to him. He coughed.

"Anyways, the door is right there."

They went inside. The path upstairs was dark, lit by a couple of torches. Hardly had the group gone to another floor, when they suddenly found themselves surrounded by a group of armored people. Danny immediately noticed some similarities in their golden and black armor, a mix between the japanese and roman one. They even had some katanas. Their stance was then relaxed once they saw Dovahkiin, but not much.

"Hello there," Dave greeted. "Here is more people than last time," he noted.

"What. Are you doing here."

Forward stepped a woman. She was also dressed in that armor, but wore no helmet. She had blonde hair and blue eyes. Danny could give her about thirty years.

"Hello to you too, Delphine," the Nord approached her. Delphine meanwhile narrowed her eyes.

"You were told to stay away from this place."

"I came here in hope that you will share some food, because we are out of supplies. I hope THIS is what the ones who are supposed to help the Dragonborn can do?"

"And who are those?"

"Daniel Phantom," Danny bowed with a smile.

"Serana," said the vampire curtly.

Delphine threw a glare at Dave. "How dare you bring someone else to our secret hideout!"

"Stop it, would you? Thalmor is after them as well, so no worries."

"Yeah. They didn't like our walk through their fortress," Phantom rubbed the back of his neck.

"You forgot beating their yellow asses."

"Yeah, that too."

Some of the people chuckled. Everyone hated Thalmor. They brought this upon themselves.

"Why would you go there?" Delphine asked.

"Bailing our friend."

"And you did it by yourself?" The woman snorted.

"There are a lot of things people underestimate," Danny's eyes glowed with neon color. "Me included."

"What in Oblivion..."

"Funny that you mention it..." Dave spoke slowly. "The kid is daedra. Or half of one."

"Sup."

"You are insane," Delphine shook her head.

"This insane man saved the world and did the job, Delphine. I know what I am doing. The lad won't kill a fly, he just wants to get to his world."

"Use the spell of banishing daedra and everything is done."

Phantom raised his eyebrow and looked at the most skilled mage around. Serana crossed her hands.

"Don't look at me like that. This spell will send you to Merhunes Dagon's realm, not where you want."

"And where does he want to go?"

"Aren't you too prying, lady?" Danny asked. "I want to get to Oblivion and resume my position. No harm done, everyone is happy."

"I have full right to know why the uninvited visitors come here. Especially Daedra."

Every member of the group was certain that Serana's kind better not to be spoken about. Luckily the Blades were just as clueless as the rest of the populace. Danny failed to understand it no matter how hard he thought about that. Even he, as clueless as he was, was able to guess everything the second he saw her. Maybe it concerned only mortals, he honestly didn't know. Maybe he should ask Molag, but Phantom doubted that the Lord of Subjugation was the one to be asked stupid questions.

"Look, Delphine," the Nord started. "We are only asking to stay for less than an hour and some food. I sincerely hope that your still present anger hasn't clouded your mind completely."

"He is right," some bearded old man stepped closer to her. "The Blades' sacred duty is to help the Dragonborn in any way possible. We are just staying here with no purpose whatsoever."

The armed woman's lips thinned, as her expression clearly showed her contemplation.

"Fine, you can stay here."

With that she walked off. The others, unsure about what to do, then returned to what they had been doing before the guests' arrival. Only the old man remained and stepped closer to Dave. He was dressed in the armor, too, but it was obviously too big and heavy for him.

"I am terribly sorry, Dovahkiin. Delphine is still sore about your decision."

"So I have noticed," Dave mumbled, before smiling slightly. "Long time no see, Esbern."

"Likewise."

"Just what happened between you two?" Danny asked. "She looked like she had eaten my father's cuisine. And these things are alive, so you know."

"It's a long story," the Nord responded. "In short, I didn't want to kill one dragon. Parthurnax helped me defeat Alduin. Killing him just because of what he is...that's wrong. The guy is fighting his very nature on daily basis."

"Oh, let's take a seat, please," Esbern invited. "But first let me take off this armor, I'm not that young anymore."

Once he was done, the group sat at the long table in a middle of a giant hall. Danny and Serana kept glancing on a huge wall. There were multiple engravings, telling their own epic story. It was a very masterful and realistic piece of art. Esbern told them that those were actually prophecies, most of which had already happened. If only they had put dates on that thing.

"You've grown in numbers, I see," Dave noted, watching the Blades train.

"We are trying to be discrete. Thalmor is watching our every step."

"What's your job now, anyway?" Dovahkiin pressed. "The dragons are nearly all dead by now, the Emperor has been murdered, and Mede dynasty don't even have dragon blood in their veins."

"I don't actually know. Delphine hopes that one day we will be needed again. What about your companions?"

"I am a poorly trained fellow who doesn't know what he is doing," Danny smiled. "I mean, seriously, I am on top of Oblivion pecking order and yet I am not able to get back!" He exclaimed.

"What does he mean?"

"You are strangely calm about this. Your students behind us are more curious," responded the orange eyed vampire dryly, making the humans behind turn away on neck-breaking speed.

"Oh, I am curious. I wasn't sure that I should ask. You don't look like one of them, though," Esbern turned to Phantom, who had already grabbed a chicken leg.

"Disguise. And partially what I am."

"Amazing...only the Princes can do that as far as I know."

Danny only smirked, before continuing with the food. The old man suddenly got worried.

"You have earned the Dragonborn's trust. So I guess it's not without reason."

"It's a very long story," Dave said.

"Yeah," Phantom agreed. "To put it bluntly, some idiot performed a bloody ritual and summoned me. Without my consent of course. Has anyone here tried asking if we want to be summoned? No, as I can see. All these books I have been able to salvage tell me that all that servitude thing is forced. We have rights!"

It was strange for the locals to listen what basically a demon was saying. Daedra weren't the most chatty. They always tried to kill everyone in sight. This one was obviously different.

"Danny, you are rambling," Serana groaned.

"What? Oh, sorry," Danny smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck.

That's got to be the most unusual daedra there is. If they hadn't been told, the Blades would've thought he was a human.

"And which Daedric Prince do you serve?"

"None," Danny grinned enigmatically. "Oblivion is bigger than you think. I have some friends around, though. Influential ones."

Esbern's mind started to slowly come to the conclusion. Only disbelief made him falter on his path to the answer.

"What are the news from the outside?" He suddenly asked. The old man needed some time to think.

"A lot, from what I heard. Don't know where to start..."

Phantom and Serana actually were curious as well. On their journey they hadn't interacted much with the other people.

"Well, I heard that the thieves' guild is back on its feet."

"Oh, don't remind me of those. You know I was their neighbor in the sewers."

"Anyways," Dave continued. "Whiterun has joined the Empire in this endless civil war. Balgruf obviously didn't like Ulfric since the beginning. Wonder what took him so long."

Bored out of his mind, Danny took out the phone. Serana curiously looked at the screen, also bored. Strangely, looking how a snake was eating fruits turned out to be more interesting.

"Hey, lad," Dave called with a smirk on his face. "You should probably get accustomed to such talks. With who you are going to be."

"Maybe," Phantom put away the device. "But this is not the world I'm being put in charge of. So nope. I'm bored."

"And I am not interested a bit," Serana added.

"Lovebirds," Dave grumbled under his nose. "As for something curious, mages from Winterhold have discovered something weird in the ruins of Saarthal. Don't know what, but they seem to be quite fussy about it."

"Saarthal? That ancient Nord settlement? Yes, they have been digging there. I don't like this one bit."

"Hm...maybe I could take a look..." Danny rubbed his chin.

"You sure? There is a long...oh."

Phantom grinned, getting up from his seat. "Relax, I have mastered this technique to perfection."

"You only did it a couple of times," Serana reminded.

"It's still perfect. Name one mortal who can do it just as good," Danny crossed his hands. "You are welcomed to join me in my research."

"It didn't work that time. Besides, we have to go, remember?" Dovahkiin asked.

"What is he talking about?" Someone whispered.

Danny caught the phrase. "A little bit of daedric magic," he grinned toothily. "Or whatever this is my scientific mind has not yet understood."

"You still don't believe in magic much," Serana sighed.

"So far all my powers had a scientific background. I AM willing to believe I can do magic, though. So, want to try fast travel with me?"

The vampire rolled her eyes. "Fine. You?"

"Won't hurt, I guess. It's your time we are wasting," Dave responded.

"Only I know where to go," Danny smirked. "I am the one who has read the Elder Scroll. So we don't have to go there immediately."

"Why do I have a feeling it's not going to end well?" Serana asked a rhetorical question.

"Because you lack my optimism, Ser," Phantom gave her a boyish smile. "Hold tight," he offered his hands. "I have a theory that this way it's going to work. Alright, eins, zwei, drei!"

Teleportation took place without any problems. The snowy breeze blew into their faces, they were outside, in the familiar town of Winterhold. The crowd around them staggered to the sides in shock and fear. Danny let go of his friends, who were shaking their heads. Yes, so sudden change of environment was confusing for the mind. The half ghost grinned in pride at his own success.

"What was that?" Serana asked.

Phantom understood what she meant. "My friend once said that german sounds like one long spell," he shrugged. "It was fun. I just counted to three."

"Stop! State your business!" The guards finally approached them.

"Relax," Danny looked around. "It was just an incantation."

"Ah, a mage," someone grumbled. "To Oblivion with all of you," he spat and walked away.

The guards let them go their way, casting them suspicious glances all the way.

"Jeez, they don't like magic at all," Danny commented.

"They blame the mages for the collapse of most of the city. Now that parts are on the bottom of this sea."

"If you ask me," Serana added. "They are too incompetent for that. Can't even repair their bridge."

Phantom smirked. "Aw, is it because you fell off and were put in an embarrassing ordeal?"

Serana blushed, making Danny grin even more. She looked so cute at such moments. It was impossible for her to hide it with such pale skin. But Serana pulled the hood lower. Dave meanwhile rolled his eyes. Great, now he was a third wheel, not the role he imagined while taking the lad as a companion. They approached the familiar entrance to the college.

"Cross the bridge...ah, it's you," the elf at the entrance greeted, recognizing the teens.

"Do you greet everyone like that?" Danny asked.

"Protocols," she grumbled. "You may enter, you have been given permission already."

"Thanks."

The group went along the bridge. This time Serana stepped away from the hole. They should have at least put a fence around it. The already familiar yard came into view. Dave was visibly uncomfortable around there, not being even remotely a mage. He only knew how to use staves, because each amateur could do that. They worked on soul gems, not the owner's own magicka. Near the entrance stood the familiar woman.

"Hello there," Danny called. "We have come to see the artifact you have found in Saarthal."

"Oh, there are so many of nosy people all of a sudden," She sighed. "Fine, just up the corridor. You don't look like mages, however."

"Don't worry," Serana responded. "We are not going to hit it with a mace or something like that."

The woman didn't seem to like Dave, though. He simply raised his hands.

"I wield a sword," the blonde said jokingly.

They all entered the hall - a circular room with columns, tall windows and the artifact itself. It was an enormous sphere about four meters in diameter. The thing was compository, like a soccer ball, it was glowing with bright blue light, floating in the center of the room. There were some writings on it. The sphere radiated energy like crazy. Danny and Serana went closer, while Dave was watching it as a mere observant. He was curious.

"Hey, lad, can you translate this?" The Dragonborn asked.

"Hm, these writings are not our language, give me a couple of minutes and I'll understand what it says."

"Excuse me, can you please not be so loud?" The elderly voice sounded from another side.

They looked around and saw a group of robed people.

"You are interrupting a lecture," the old mage added.

"Oh, sorry," Danny laughed nervously.

"Damn tourists," some dark elf woman mumbled. Too sad Phantom had a good hearing.

"I am not a mere tourist, lady. This stuff is intriguing, and its origins are even more peculiar. What's the lecture is about?"

"Defensive spells," The obvious teacher responded. "You may not be students, but you can listen, too."

Danny and Serana looked at each other and shrugged. Dave meanwhile groaned. Great, now they were stuck for a while. He decided to take a walk in the meantime. The students looked at the newest arrivals with a certain disdain. Not everyone, but many. They didn't look like mages at all. Especially not the armored one.

"As I was saying," the teacher, whose name was Tolfdir, continued. "Protective wards belong to the Restoration school. Many of you look down upon it, but one day it can save your life. It may destroy only the undead, and it surely isn't the one with the most shiny presentation, but just as important. Colette Marence teaches this subject. My job is to teach all the new arrivals basic spells, then you may start specializing in the aspect you like more. If you prefer Alteration school, we'll be meeting again."

Danny was actually impressed at how well organized the system was. It was basically the same education as at his home, just based on magic. From what he learned, the mages were the closest definition of scientists there, so it kinda made sense. Serana just listened to the stuff she had known by then. She knew much more than anyone there, especially concerning necromancy. Thankfully the nature of magic had been told by then, so the boring part had been skipped.

"Excuse me, teacher, but we wouldn't be here if we didn't know how to handle ourselves. Maybe we can get to the more useful spells?"

Danny probably misheard it. Were these idiots really willing to skip that part? If he had had such an opportunity, he would have taken it the second it was offered. Arrogant fools. The suggestion was supported by the absolute majority of the students.

"And what about guests? The opinion of someone from the side is important, too."

"If it wasn't for the protection, I would be a goner," Phantom answered honestly. Many thought he was just licking the teacher's boots. It was like he had never left his own school.

Serana wasn't sure about that. There was a reason the vampires didn't use them. Restoration magic didn't bid well with their undead nature. There was a vampiric drain for the healing purposes.

"Well, many here seem to disagree with you," Tolfdir said. Danny wished he had such teacher. The guy was always so calm. "Would you mind helping me with the demonstration, then? I take it you are familiar with wards?"

"Uhm, you can say that. But they aren't what you think."

"Hm, curious. Now, if you'll just stand right over there, I'll cast a spell at you, and you block it with the ward."

Danny shrugged and went to the circle on the floor.

"Here we go. Over there, please. Just opposite me. Wouldn't want anyone else in the way. Now, cast the ward spell, and keep it up and hold still."

Phantom lazily moved his hand, and a body sized barrier appeared before him. Everyone stared at it. The wards weren't supposed to look this way. And Danny wasn't even holding the barrier.

"Well, shoot," he called.

Tolfdir snapped out of his observations and his palm was engulfed in fire. He then shot a small ball of fire. Needless to say that such petty spell was absorbed easily. The old man really didn't want to hurt him.

"Marvelous!" He breathed. "What kind of spell is this?"

"A shield," Danny said bluntly. "I have warned you it is unusual. But it will be nice to learn something else just in case."

Tolfdir smiled. The boy could do something unique, yet was so eager to learn. Too sad that he wasn't one of the man's students.

"Well, this is what the lesson is for. Let us begin with practice."

Meanwhile Dave was walking through the many corridors of the college. It was big, but empty, there weren't many people. And those who were present were giving him glances. Yes, an armored Nord with weapons was off-putting to them. Usual people in Winterhold were out to get them one of these days.

"This is getting out of hand," Dave suddenly heard a voice around the corner. "The embassy is hearing about this, archmage."

The phrase made him freeze. Damn altmers, even there they had dug their dirty noses in. The Dragonborn leaned against the wall, eavesdropping on the conversation. He peeked around the corner slightly. The high elf in the typical Thalmor clothes was talking to an old dark elf, dressed in the rich robes with fur outlines.

"This artifact has been discovered by our researchers. Despite your many rights you have no right to take it from us, Ankano."

"I am reporting directly to the Thalmor. Do you want to get into trouble with us?"

"We are not giving it to you. We are on the side of law. YOU are only an observer, we tolerate your presence and you may ask for information WE gather."

Dave smirked at seeing the befuddled expression of the Thalmor bastard. Ankano walked off angrily, going in direction of the Dragonborn himself. The Nord's blue eyes widened, before he hid behind a column. His sneak skills weren't the best, but he managed to remain unnoticed. Now that was curious, he probably should return to his young companions. Dave made his way from the corridors back to the lecture hall. As he came to the iron gates of the hall, through the holes in it he could see everyone hurled away from whatever happened. He immediately sprung inside.

"What just happened?!" Dave exclaimed.

"That brat, that's what!" Someone exclaimed, pointing at Danny, who looked very embarrassed at his results.

"I said I'm sorry!" He called helplessly.

The Dragonborn's eyes landed on Serana, who calmly sat on the chair. It was standing against the wall, so the blast hadn't launched her anywhere. She looked at the newest arrival.

"Restoration magic isn't his thing," the vampire commented dryly. "They have been practicing wards. Instead he launched everyone around."

She just knew it would happen. They were the undead, restoration magic repelled their kind. But no, he just had to be so stubborn.

"Intriguing," Tolfdir got up on his feet with a grunt. "But it is better that you either stop with this school or leave this hall for a while. Not to offend you."

"I understand," Danny said, albeit disappointed. Well, there were other schools, and since he managed to do...something, maybe he could do something else. 

"He has nothing but shiny tricks!"

"So charming," responded Phantom coldly. "You aren't the most welcoming bunch."

Tolfdir knew what he was talking about. His students sometimes proved to be a handful. Their overconfidence would prove to be dangerous one day, no matter what he said.

"Cursed freak," one elf mumbled.

She was suddenly in the air, and the woman screamed in surprise. Phantom let out a cold chuckle.

"Can you do that?" He asked. "I doubt it. Maybe I should release you," he smiled, knowing that falling from five meters on the concrete wouldn't do any good to her bones. "Say it again!"

The fire in the torches became that of deathly green color in a moment, and thus the room turned darker, despite the orb in its center. Phantom's eyes were of the same blazing shade, and his voice had an echo. The objects were floating and shaking as well, as if his voice was tossing them around. The present people paled as the unknown terror came over them, grasping their bodies in a merciless grip of unrideable cold, getting under their skin and crawling through the bloodstream. Even his own companions watched with shocked expressions. To see a usually cheerful young man so terrifying...

"Please, calm down, lad," Tolfdir called. "Put her down."

Danny only glared more at his offender.

"Danny, please stop," asked Serana gently.

It had a calming effect on the half ghost. Phantom put the captive down, closed his eyes and took a breath. Everything went back to normal, once he opened the eyes, they were ice blue again.

"I apologize. I won't interrupt your lesson."

He turned around and went to the entrance. Serana's eyes widened, before she got up and followed. Dave sighed, rubbing his eyes. The others...they were still white from what had just transpired, they weren't sure that they would be able to sleep that night. Even Tolfdir was shocked at such supernatural display. The old man decided that he should tell the archmage, hopefully the guest wouldn't leave soon without answering a few questions. He dismissed the class for today.