"I. Hate. This world."

Danny became exceptionally grumpy after the entire ordeal, after being stuck in his ghost form. He wasn't scared, for he had been warned that the effect was only temporary. But he was still facing certain problems already. At least Serana was not easily spotted as a vampire. HE was a walking lightbulb. The glow extended to the robes he was wearing. The armor had been abandoned in their favor. He could summon it whenever he wanted, anyway. Maybe it would make him look less suspicious. They left without answering any questions.

The group was walking through the half destroyed city, while the people were trying to salvage whatever they could. The mages had helped to put out the fire, but the damage had been already done. Despite his mood, Danny insisted on helping some people out. He noted that his powers became so simple to use. 

"You never cease to surprise, lad," Dave crossed his hands. "Here, you gain the power and are so unhappy about it."

"Surrendering my mortality was not something I cherish. I know to what consequences it might lead."

"Don't worry," Serana smiled and took his hand. "If you suddenly start throwing cheese at the bypassers, I'll snap you out of it."

Danny couldn't help but snort and then smile faintly. 

"You know, I think we should celebrate yet another saving of the world," The Nord told. "Hopefully at least one inn has survived here."

No one had objections to that. But as they were going through the streets, Danny could see the people staring his way. He didn't like this one bit. But there was little he could do and that displeased him even more.  As they were going through the small square in front of the Jarl's very humble home, the group noticed that the named Jarl was arguing with Savos. They had had to stay for a while, so the archmage had some business at hand. The crowd had already formed. The Jarl was an under thirty redheaded man, dressed in very warm clothes, with a circlet on his head. 

"We are sick of you, dirty rats, ruining our city over and over again!" He exclaimed, receiving support from the enraged populace. 

"Ruining?" Savos asked. "WE rushed in to save as many as we could! The Eye of Magnus was perfectly fine until that Thalmor representative came. We have no love for them either. If I were to kill someone with your sword, in this case you would have to take the blame by your logic."

The Jarl approached the archmage, being taller than the dark elf he tried to look intimidating.

"This city has the biggest misfortune to be the place where you reside. And nothing will please me more than to cast the mages out. And you, sharp-eared, too."

Danny whistled, while Serana crossed her hands and Dave sighed. Such behavior was to be expected from the man who had sided with Ulfric Stormcloak. Savos just stared at the much younger man. He hadn't known about the anti-elven attitude of the ruler. Combined with an unjustified hatred of mages, the distaste for the human only increased. 

"Then why haven't you?" Aren asked sarcastically. "Afraid?" 

"I am not afraid of you, greyskin."

"Let's stop this right here, shall we?" 

Danny stepped forward as all the eyes turned to him. His companions begged all the gods known to them so he doesn't do anything they all were going to regret. Phantom had his grin again.

"Who by Talos are..."

"The lad which has prevented this apocalypse," said Savos dryly. "Still not sure how."

"By absorbing the energy," Danny shrugged as if it explained everything. "It has some implications as you can see," his ghostly traits now had a seemingly logical explanation. 

"And what do you want? To kiss your boots for that?" 

"A simple thank you for saving your pelts should be enough," Phantom deadpanned. "But that's not why I have decided to join your little chat."

"Really now? Well then, lad, explain yourself."

His commanding tone did not bid well with the half ghost. But the young man continued.

"Why do you think you are better than Thalmor?" 

A laughter followed. But certain people realized that the Jarl was actually trapped.

"Because we are not the spoiled bastards who think they are superior to everyone. They take our faith, homes, wealth..."

"Hm...and you in return think that you are superior to the mages. And, as I can see, elves as well."

"It is different, we are responding to their assaults."

"I am not even an Altmer," Savos said dryly. "And Morrowind never supported their Dominion. You just need the reason to hate all of us."

"Enough! Be happy that you are not the Imperial spies. Because you certainly sound like ones."

"Yeah, yeah. Threaten us because of your loss of the argument." 

The Jarl glared at him, before glancing at his guards. 

"Smart mouth, aren't you, lad?"

"Yes," Danny grinned, while his companions facepalmed. They were going to be left without food.

The guards made a step forward, but their weapons were immediately reduced to dust, much to everyone's shock and fright. Danny himself didn't expect this to really happen. Another testament to what he had been deprived of.

"We will leave by ourselves, Jarl," Phantom said calmly. "No need to sacrifice your soldiers for this. Savos, I think you should go to the College now. You have done what you could."

Danny heavily emphasized that part, but the meaning was still misunderstood by many. The old elf got the point, however. He nodded and went off, thankfully the people let him do that. Phantom meanwhile looked at the Jarl.

"You Stormcloaks really make it very tempting to help the Empire. Think it over and if you lose, realise what led to your defeat."

The man was now thinking over doing something else. The lad was more powerful than he seemed. Danny meanwhile turned around.

"We will simply eat and be on our way to stop this fragile world from being ended," he said nonchalantly. "Hopefully you won't do anything stupid in the process."

As he came up to his companions, they continued their way to the inn. 

"What a prick," Danny muttered.

"You tell me," Serana agreed. "You are not seriously going to get involved in this war?"

Danny snorted. "The King of Oblivion fighting here? Although it sure will be a legendary battle, I cannot get involved like that. I can't get to my domain myself, Ser. It is only me, without an army of immortal skeletons. Only my now second in command."

"It won't do much for the Empire's reputation," Dave added. "No one likes daedra. And to get a help from one? The Church and other races will be furious. Well, maybe not dunmers."

"What about the Emperor?" Danny suddenly asked. "You have mentioned his death..."

"Titus Mede II, killed on his own ship by the hands of the Dark Brotherhood. While you two got busy, I got the latest issue of the Black Horse Courier."

"Haven't you told on them?" Danny asked in confusion.

"Yes. Their hideout has been burned to the ground. And then they killed the old man. No one has ever escaped their assassinations. They just keep doing so until the target dies by their hand."

"Heh. Maybe I will break the tradition," Phantom smirked. 

"Wait...they are after you now?"

"Yeah...I kind of humilated one of them. Maybe they will drop something heavy on my head. I suspect the Silverbloods are involved. Actually," Danny grinned deviously. "Maybe I should pay him a visit before I leave."

"He is becoming evil," Dave said with fake fear. "Strangle him before he starts a crisis!"

They all laughed, but the people around didn't get any of this as usual. Finally they saw a sign which told them about the house. They had found a tavern to eat in. It was filled to the brim with sleeping bags and the people. Their houses had suffered serious damage, and it was very cold in Winterhold. Especially at night. It became quiet when the group stepped inside. It was Danny's fault, obviously. He didn't pay attention to the looks and the mothers hiding their babies. Serana did notice and felt sorry for her lover. 

"Have you got anything left?" Dovahkiin asked the woman, assuming that everything had been eaten. 

"Yes, but it will cost you double."

Dave whistled. "Nice. Is sich price for everyone or is it me who is unlucky?"

"We are running out of supplies, and you are not a local, so yes, it is double." 

Danny calmly fixed his collar. "I think that thing under your table will be enough."

"What are you talking about?"

"Under your table."

The woman did look, and to her astonishment there was an ingot. Purest and cleanest gold! She picked up the heavy ingot and put it on the desk in shock. Danny smirked at seeing everyone's looks once again. Especially Serana's.

"For a short while...I think it will be interesting," he whispered to her.

It was strange, because all these years back Danny, well, died. It should not be a step towards divinity, yet here he was. Maybe it was the power no ghost, by Phantom's knowledge, possessed. Then again Clockwork did show something astonishing. Or maybe Pariah just underestimated the teen so much that the full extent had been hidden. If it was a small trick by the godly standards, then it was understandable. 

"I think it compensates our expenses," Phantom called. "Mead for everyone willing, too."

It got him more then enough karma among the unfortunate people. Once the food was brought to the group of adventurers, they began eating. Horker meat was delicious. But to think it was some walrus-like creature. 

"So you have learned some flashy tricks, eh, lad?" Dave asked. "What else can you do?"

They had got some eavesdroppers, curious about the guy who could make money appear out of nowhere.

"I don't know. So far I just let my imagination do the job."

"Try getting us the bow," Serana suggested with a note of amusement. 

With a hum Danny moved his chair away from the table, outsretching his hand. Then a purple, half transparent flaming bow appeared there.

"It seems I got the wrong one," Danny commented. "But I don't think I can summon the divine artifact at will."

"It was worth a try," the vampire shrugged.

Phantom waved his hand and the weapon disappeared. "So, we now eat and I can teleport us straight to the required place, I take it."

"It doesn't work that easily," Dave huffed. "Believe me, when you don't expect, someone will..."

"Hey, you."

Everyone jumped and turned to the side. There was a short man dressed in light clothes and cowl. 

"Ehm...what?" Danny asked.

"I've got the message. Your hands only."

He outsretched the hand with an envelope. What caught everyone's eyes is the stamp on a piece of wax keeping two ends together. There was a dragon's picture, which could mean only one thing. Looking up, all of the group members were curious about the Imperial message.

"Who has sent..."

The messenger was gone. Creepy.

"See what I told you?" Dave asked. "It always happens like this."

"Where did he go?" Serana asked. 

"I don't know. I've seen this guy before, and he never says more than a few sentences."

Danny decided not to ponder on this, because there was something more interesting. Despite the fact that they weren't alone, Phantom opened it and started reading the contents.

'Phantom.

If you are reading this, then the messenger has done his job just well. To you writes Legate Rikke, we have met at the fortress you had cleaned up. You and your companion have shown to be very capable and so have caught the interest of the Imperial Legion. In short, we are in need of your services. 

Your assisstance is purely voluntary, but your according reward is assured. The Empire rewards useful. If you aren't interested, the response is unrequired. The only request is to burn this message. In case your curiosity is picked, come to the Korvanjund ruins on 23rd Last Seed. By the sunrise. It is located to the Northeast from Whiterun. The mission is very important and secret, do not share this information with anyone else. The Emperor's death in no way has undermined our dedication to our cause.

Long live the Empire,

Legate Rikke'

Danny whistled after having read the message. Others had similar reactions. 

"Think of the Devil and he shall appear, we say," Phantom commented. "Any thoughts?"

"We should go, I think," Dave leaned against the wall behind. "Permission to go through the outposts will make our job easier."

"It makes sense," Serana agreed. "Who knows where we will have to go."

"Then let's...wait...23rd?"

"It is tomorrow," the vampire explained. "Or rather today," she said, looking at the dark sky out of the window, "How lucky for us to have a transport."

Danny snorted. "Phantom transportation services, thanks for choosing our company."

The others laughed. Deciding that they had an entire night ahead, they could allow themselves quite a bit of drink. Danny was deprived of ability to get drunk, so it was a guarantee that no one was going to do anything stupid under his watch. Thankfully it was unrequired. Dave sang a song about Ragnar the Red and then just fell asleep after being told to shut up. There were children which had to sleep. Serana just rested on Danny's shoulder in half asleep condition with a content smile on her face. Phantom patiently looked around himself and waited. 

In a middle of the night Danny was interrupted by an obvious mage, who sat nearby. There were a lot of elves in the College, apparently, because he was an Altmer.

"Have you got a minute?" The man whispered.

"Who am I talking with?"

"Name is Nelacar. Care to follow me to another room?"

Curious, Danny nodded. He gently laid Serana's head against the wall and got up. After carefully going past the numerous sleeping bags and people there, they got to a secluded room. It was well furnished, with a bed in the corner, a wardrobe and a couple of chairs and a table in the corner opposite of the bed. There were also numerous soul gems and other sorts of magical equipment. Nelacar closed the door.

"So, Daedra, mind telling why you are here?"

Danny jumped in surprise and looked at the tall elf in shock. "It's only the effects..."

"Of the Eye? Please, I am not a fool like that idiots in the college. I will recognize the creature of Oblivion easily. You may drop the disguise."

"I can't," Danny grumbled. "The Eye blocked everything. Now what you might need from me? I'm just going my way."

Phantom noticed a purple ball in the wizard's hand. Sighing, he lifted the mage in the air, paralizing him. 

"You could just ask, WITHOUT trying to bind me."

"I know your kind. You will try to deceive and kill me, Daedra."

Danny laughed, before letting the mage go. "You are the one who came to me, not the other way around. What is that you need?"

"Are you one of Azura's minions? Tell me!"

"Jesus, you are a paranoid one. No, I am not with Azura, but as you are so afraid...I can guess that she has the reasons to be pissed at you."

"I...Not at me, but I knew that her disciples would come eventually. I know too much. Which Prince do you serve, then? And don't try to fool me, you obviously are too sentient to be unafflicated with any."

"Well, I have had some tea with Sheogorath as of late. Then there was a small errand with Clavicus. He will thank me later for what I have done. As you can see, it's not really that important, I'm doing them a favor."

"Oh, high and mighty, are we?"

"I just don't want to get involved in their games as long as they don't bother me. So far it has been like that. Speaking of...why would Azura's followers track you down?"

"You are not fooling me that easily. No, I ain't gonna tell you."

Danny smiled innocently, before his eyes glowed with neon light. 

"Are you sure about this?" He asked gently.

"I...eh, alright, alright. It's Azura's artifact, her Star."

Now that was interesting. "Go on...and what does it do?"

"I thought you, Daedra, are more aware."

"I'm half human. Consider me clueless."

"Half...nevermind. I don't even want to know. Azura's Star is a powerful soul gem. It can absorb a limitless amount of souls without getting a single scratch. Usual gems break apart after use."

"And why is there such a fuss about it?"

"I have spent a long while under an apprenticeship of a man named Malyn. He has discovered the way to become immortal by using the power of the Star. I don't know what happened with him, but I want to satisfy my curiousity."

"You do realize that Azura would not approve of this? I don't think she has given her consent." 

"It's not MY fault. I'm staying here and have no afflication with that scheme of his."

"Hm...So Azura's worshippers want to get it back, I don't see anything bad about it."

Danny mused. Yes, helping out Azura could get one of the Daedric Princes' sympathy. Sheogorath was not exactly the most stable one. He wasn't sure about the encounter with Clavicus. He did help him, after all. The more friendly Daedric Princes there are, the better. Although he did have a distate for most.

"I think I will fetch this thing," Danny said, crossing his hands. "Where to go?"

"Why would I tell this to Daedra of all people?"

"Because I have the power to twist you inside out?"

"H-hey, let's take it easy. Alright, it must be in Ilinalta's deep. To the North from Falkreath, over the lake."

"I'll see what I can do, then. Is that all?" 

"Yes, I swear."

Danny nodded and exited the room, he had no need for more information. Looking out of the window he saw that the moon was on the western side of the sky from what he could guess. Polar star was nonexistent in this world. Better move to the meeting spot and spend the rest of the night there. Danny approached his sleeping girlfriend and gently picked her up bridal style. The vampire stirred and opened her eyes slightly. 

"Danny? Wha..."

"Time to move," Phantom grinned, before they teleported away.

He hadn't forgotten Dave, but with the increased power Danny didn't need physical contact. The Dragonborn was close, and that was enough. But it didn't promise him a proper landing. He had been sitting and sleeping. Without a wall behind, he fell on the dump ground. Immediately Dave woke up and got into sitting position. 

"What in Oblivion?" he asked, wide awake.

"We are on the meeting place."

It was a cold forest area, with snowy pine trees around. Not much to say about the bland surroundings. Snow, wind and zero indications of life, except the occasional howling. Either of wolves or someone related. They were on the hill, down below some stone structures could be seen. Actually, the place was lit. Someone was there in the ruins.

"Uhm...Danny," Serana called.

"Yes?"

"Could you put me down?" She asked with a blush.

"Oh, of course."

The vampire stood on the ground and wiped her eyes, their orange light seen in darkness. She stretched her muscles.

"So, are we going to wait or come inside?" 

Dave huffed, his breath visible. He got up, moving the snowed branch away from his face. 

"I don't want to freeze to death here," he muttered. "We Nords do have resistance to frost, but it has limits."

Phantom snorted, before snapping his fingers. A green triangle tent appeared out of nowhere.

"It has inner warming battery," he explained. "I truly am limited by imagination."

"Don't let it get into your head," Serana deadpanned. "Why not the campfire?"

"Because it will be visible...Hey, careful with zipper. Don't pull too hard," Danny told Dave, who had faced a common problem of the zipper being stuck. 

Dovahkiin grumbled something and just lied inside the tent, on the soft matress. Although he did envy the couple. They didn't need as much sleep as he.

Phantom sat in the soft snow, hoping that his glowing form would remain unnoticed. Serana sat near him, looking around the forest. It really was lifeless. Not a single night predator, not a single owl trying to find its food. The ruins reeked of death, and normal animals tended to avoid it. Danny and Serana could feel it, too. But what made the mortals uneasy, was okay for them.

"You aren't going to sleep?" Danny asked.

"Must we come to this each night?"

Phantom chuckled, before nuzzling against her cheek. "I am your boyfriend now. I will always be concerned."

Serana couldn't help but smile and laugh quietly at his childish antics. "I still am not going anywhere." 

"Fine, have it your way," Danny said dramatically, kissing Serana's cheek. "I will be near."

"Mhm..." she nodded.

They just sat in silence, waiting for the appointed time. The torches in the ruins burned off and no one bothered to come outside to put new ones. Why would they bother with this, whoever the new occupants were. It was even better, no one would know about the presence. Then a person showed up there, probably a watchman. That caught the couple's interest.

"Take this," Danny gave Serana the binoculars, having a pair of his own.

The vampire took it and put to her eyes, watching her lover's example.

With closer inspection, they saw that it was a man dressed in a cuirass. It was similar to that of the guards they had seen. With a piece of blue cloth (hard to state the color, seeing how dim lit the place was), wrapped around the quilted armor. A chain mail sticked out. There were also fur boots and gloves for warmth.

"Stormcloaks," Serana breathed, putting away the device. "That part hasn't been mentioned." 

"Just what have they found there?" Danny mumbled curiously. 

"Whatever it is, that must be really important." 

"Well, we could break in now, or..."

"Wait here until the Imperials come."

"We do want the reward and don't know what we are looking for. It will be pointless."

As they waited, more Stormcloaks emerged from inside the doors leading to some structure underground, within the hill. There were about ten of them roaming around as the sun peeked from the edge of the invisible horizon, hidden behind the tall peaks. Serana pulled on the hood and put her hands into pockets. Danny sighed and looked on a distance.

"I wonder if this works."

"What do you mean?"

Danny took a small tube from nowhere. Serana didn't know what it was, but the picture of a sun with a face and a grin confused her.

"This thing is called sunblock. We use it while sunbathing. Give me your hand, please."

Serana did so, careful to leave it in the shadow. Danny poured some white substance in his palm, before putting it on his girlfriend's hand. She shivered because of the cool and pleasant feeling. Once he was done, Phantom grinned.

"Take it slowly, I just want to make sure. Put it under the sun. I don't want you to get burned."

Curious, the vampire did as she was asked. What happened next astounded her. With fear she had moved her palm away from the shadow. And felt...nothing. Only warmth. Her orange eyes shone brighter as they widened in excitement.

"By the blood, it is amazing!" she breathed, moving her hand under the sunrays. It was a pure mockery of the divine force the sun was.

"Looks like we have found a solution to your problem. No one is going to suspect you either. Although it lasts for about two ho..."

He was interrupted by a happy hug of the excited undead. 

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Hey, it wasn't me who invented the thing," Danny chuckled, but still returned the embrace.

"What kind of alchemy is this?"

"I don't know, some chemical reaction, probably, blotting the ultraviolet rays. Science!" Danny smirked.

"We probably are going to need it now. Can you..."

Phantom blushed slightly, but smiled. He then proceeded to put the sunblock on several areas, including the other hand, face and neck. Her soft, flowing neck-long hair was thick enough to protect the rest as it was. But Danny had a laugh tickling under her chin and the embarassed expression of his squirming girlfriend. In the process Serana fell into snow, making them both laugh. Serana lied on her back and looked up into the sky. It wasn't bright, as the sun hadn't rose properly. Still...she glanced to the side, seeing the shining orb climb from under hills.

"Hm...It isn't so bad when it doesn't try to kill me."

"Don't stare at it for too long, though."

Serana yelped and rubbed her eyes as the burning sensation came into them. 

"I take it back, the sun is evil," she grumbled. 

Danny snickered, extending a helping hand. Serana took it and got up. After a short while they saw movements far away. Taking binoculars again, the two looked there, seeing the marching legionaries. A small detachment going on the road. 

"We should warn them," Serana said.

Danny nodded, before quickly getting to the tent. He peeked inside and a second later a loud yelp was heard. Dave climbed out of the tent, grumbling under his nose. The tent disappeared behind him.

"Sorry for inconvenience," Phantom apologized. "But we have to hurry."

"Fine," Dave rolled his eyes, before seeing smirking Serana. "Wait...how are you..."

"Sunbloock," Danny said in a sing-song voice.

Suddenly something unexpected happened. The familiar shining ring appeared with a flash. As it traveled up and down, Phantom returned to his human self. However, the black robe with silver trimmings became reversed in color. Apparently the power was short-lived. Too short that it was laughable. 

"I. Hate. This world."

A.N. In reality I just realized that the idea was stupid.