Darkness Rising

[Madrar]

AN: Ok, before I start, I just want to say that no, the Dark Brotherhood won't be in here 'despite what the title may sound like. No, this is about vampires. I'm taking the base for this from the movie Underworld awakening, but in Skyrim. At least, that's how it will start. Yes, I'm also going to use stuff from the upcoming Dawngaurd expansion pack. There will be alot of different characters as well, I think. Yes, this is the sequel to Blood and Rain.
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Chapter One: Beggining Of the End​

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The door to Proudspire Mansion burst open, and heavily armed warriors rushed forward, wielding everything from daggers to warhammers. They were met by a group of vampires, much less uniformly dressed and armed than the invaders. The air was filled with grunts and screams, curses and hisses. The sound of a warhammer thudding into undead flesh, and the wet ripping noise of a vampires' talons shearing off an enemies face.​

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Leading the defense were two vampires that stood side by side. One was garbed in black, red and gold robes, and magic danced on his fingertips, occasionally lancing out to fell invading warriors. The other vampire wore heavy, green orcish armour, although it was clear he was of elven descent. He lashed out viciously, hacking down enemy warriors, and blocking blows that would have broken the limbs of a mortal.​

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However, it was all a ruse. Salthar , the black robed vampire knew that the only reason they hadn't been overwhelmed was because of their determined defense, preparation and the small door only let in one or two attackers at a time. Even as his spells scythed down attackers, and Vengar, his brother, Vengar hacked them apart with his sword, more swarmed to attack. Even as the vampires fought, members of the coven began to be overwhelmed and hacked apart. Avari, a young wood elf vampire fell to a multitude of sword blows, his supernatural speed not saving him from a second, and final death. Across the room, Liona, a Breton vampire was cut down by an orcish brute wielding a large battle axe. More vampires fell, and Salthar knew the battle was lost.​

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"Fall back!" he bellowed, directing the dwindling numbers of his coven towards the hidden underground tunnel exit of the mansion. He grabbed Vengar, who turned his bloody face distorted with rage. "Get out of here, now!" Salthar barked, roughly shoving his brother into the flow of vampires. Even as he turned back, a sword blade pierced his flesh just below his heart. Snarling, Salthar blasted the insolent Nord several metres backwards with a lightning bolt.​

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When only he and a few others remained, the vampire lord brought the ceiling down with a fireball, and fled, not waiting for the enemy to catch up.​

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To Be Continued.​

 

[Dovakiin98]

Dude,I love this story and will defenitely follow it!

 

[Madrar]

Dude,I love this story and will defenitely follow it!

Thanks alot! I may be slow to post but don't worry, I'm not gonna let it die out. Thanks again for the follow.

 

[Dovakiin98]

Madrar, that was a great start to the sequel and I can`t wait for the next chapter!

 

[Madrar]

Chapter Two: Fire and Death​

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Madrar was once again on Riftens' streets, prowling in the dark alleys and sticking to the darkness as much as possible. The vampire hunters that had been the talk of the town for weeks had finally arrived. Under a Stormcloak escort. While the Jarl hadn't been particularly happy about it, she had granted them entrance to Riften. Now Madrar, Varia, and the other vampires living in the town had to be extra careful to blend in with normal populace.​

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The vampire hunters were thorough, to say the least. No one was admitted entrance, or allowed to leave after dark. Anyone found outside after dark would be subject to questioning. Life had suddenly grown harsh for the vampires of Riften, as the hunters also knew how to identify the telltale bite marks of a vampire. Madrar turned the corner, then cursed and stepped back into the shadows. A pair of vampires, Thonir and Skaldja, both Nords, were confronted by a patrol of heavily armed and armoured vampire hunters. They were having a strained sounding conversation, and Madrar listened in. " -There a problem?" Thonir was asking, one of the hunters replied harshly "you know you're not allowed out after dark"​

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Skaldja attempted to explain "We were just going to see some friends of hours, and lost track of time"​

Someone grunted in surprise, and then the harsh voiced one replied "is that so..vampire?" The conversation degenerated into shrieks of pain as a blinding light flashed from around the corner. The sound of swords and axes cutting through flesh followed. "That takes care of them" grunted one hunter, and the whole patrol trooped off into the night. Madrar was stunned, and more than a little afraid. How exactly had those guys known the two Nords were vampires? More frightening was the thought that if they knew how to recognize vampires, he and Varia were in more danger than they'd originally thought.​

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Rushing home, avoiding lighted areas, and patrols of vampire hunters as best he could, he arrived at the house. "Open the door, quickly!" he hissed into the crack between door and wall. As the door swung open, Madrar leaped forward, slamming it behind him. Varia stared at him in surprise, he answered her surprise with a statement "Thonir and Skaldja are dead" shock and a little sorrow crossed her face, but she didn't ask how. By now they all knew, unfortunately. He opened his mouth to comfort her, maybe, when the door was blasted to splinters.​

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Vampires are fast. About six times faster than the fastest mortal. But Madrar was caught off guard, and so, one of the three crossbow bolts fired into the house caught him in the chest. Staggering backwards, he managed to yell "Varia, get out!" as nearly a dozen warriors came rushing into the house. Snarling, Madrars first strike removed most of one enemy's face. He shrugged off a sword blow to the ribs, and flung the offending warrior into the wall. Fire exploded through the ceiling, as some idiot of a mage flung a fireball at the house. A beam tumbled from the ceiling, and Varia shrieked as the burning wood crushed her right leg.​

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"Varia!" roared Madrar, letting go the last remnants of civility, as he grabbed yet another warrior, biting savagely into his neck. Tossing the dying soldier into his companions, he turned, and lifted the burning wood, allowing her to climb out from under it. Grabbing her around the waist, he helped out the back door wrenching it open. He didn't notice the mage, but Varia did "move!" she shouted, shoving him to the side. The fireball struck where he'd been standing moments before, and flames licked at his fur pelt. The concussive shockwave blasted both of off the balcony, and into the cold, dark waters. All went black for Madrar.​

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To Be Continued.​

 

[Madrar]

Madrar, that was a great start to the sequel and I can`t wait for the next chapter!

Thanks! Sorry I had to edit it so much, but my ending of Blood and Rain forced my hand. I like this beggining better anyways I think .

 

[Madrar]

Chapter Three: Walking in the Dark​

The tunnels beneath Solitude were extensive. Perhaps they had been the old sewer system, but now they were just dark and mildewed stone. Very few, if any, of Solitudes' citizenry actually knew about their existence, which made them ideal for Salthar and his coven.​

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Hopefully, the attackers would assume that Salthar had committed suicide to stop the enemy. He met up with the other vampires at an intersection. Vengar, and the others looked exhausted, and Salthar couldn't blame them. "Milord, you're injured!" exclaimed one of the younger vampires. Salthar rolled his eyes.​

"Yes, I am, but that's the least of our worries at the moment" With a gesture from the vampire lord, the others began walking moving along the dark passageways.​

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Vengar hung back, walking beside his brother "tell me you have a plan" he muttered quietly. Glancing aside, "I'm working on it, alright?" he snapped. He could already feel his flesh re-knitting itself, repairing the damage the sword blade had caused. The darkness of the tunnels helped as well. He heard Vengar sigh beside him, and knew his brother was just as exhausted as the others. He'd fought the most enemies, and his injuries were among the most severe.​

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After nearly an hour of walking, they reached an intersection, and Salthar had a plan. "He turned to his brother "We need to split up, divide the pursuit, if there is any, you take the right, I'll take left, and we'll meet-"​

Vengar cut him off "Don't tell me, I know the place" he said, turning. Both of them divided the coven equally among them and split up, walking through the darkness, binding their wounds, and keeping an ear out for the inevitable pursuir.​

 

[Madrar]

Hey guys, I'm gonna have to slow down on these posts. A guy I know has commissioned me to write him some science fiction stories by the end of June. Also from July to the end of August I'll be somewhere with little to no internet, so don't expect any posts then either. Just letting you guys know.

 

[Dovakiin98]

Hey guys, I'm gonna have to slow down on these posts. A guy I know has commissioned me to write him some science fiction stories by the end of June. Also from July to the end of August I'll be somewhere with little to no internet, so don't expect any posts then either. Just letting you guys know.

Hey man no worries and also good luck with the sci-fi stories,if they are any thing like these then the guy should be pretty happy with the stories.

 

[Madrar]

Thanks. I certainly hope he enjoys them, although he's bought some of my work before and enjoyed, so, here's to hoping he enjoys these as well. Although I may need to provide some form of emotional stuff in one of my stories, which is going to be problem. I'm usually better at sci-fi stories though so maybe it will be easier. Thanks for your support. I may get another chapter or two up on here before I leave.

 

[Docta Corvina]

Very nice beginnings here, Madrar! I'll be reading the rest very soon!

 

[Start Dale]

Enjoyed reading it so far, hope to read more soon.

 

[Madrar]

Chapter Four: Victory?​

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General Koris Madrigan walked up the steps leading the the stage like area that was normally reserved for executions and announcements. Today, the general was performing the latter. A curious group of people, some civilians, others Imperial soldiers, gathered to watch. "People of Solitude, I am happy to announce, that the foul plague of undead has been cleansed from your city. As I speak, my own men are performing similar deeds of cleansing across Skyrim" He paused, gauging the reaction from the rest of the crowd. Some cheered, others rolled their eyes and turned away. "You will be thankful when you no longer have friends or family disappear in the dark of the night" he assured them, before leaving the stage.​

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Dinah Kahstor, Koris' second in command, took up his position beside the Breton vampire hunter. Dinah was huge, muscled Redguard, wearing heavy armour ,as many vampire hunters often preferred. Once they were well away from the citizens of Solitude, the general, keeping his voice low, asked his second, " did you see him?" Dinah shook his head.​

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"No sign of him, what about you?" Koris ground his teeth in frustration.​

"I didn't see him either, but he didn't die in our assault...no, Salthar Vivarian is much too cunning for that"​

Dinah looked doubtful, and asked "What's so special about this vampire, anyways?", He continued "We've taken out the coven, and small pockets of vampires from here to Winterhold, he's done for"​

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Koris laughed without humor "If you believe that, my friend, you're a fool" turning to face the Redguard fully, he explained. "Vivarian fought in the Great War, and according to official records, died shortly afterwards. But, as we saw, that's not the case, he came back as a vampire, turned his brother, and came to Skyrim. He's lived here for some time now, judging by the size of the coven we just wiped out. If anything, this defeat has given him more than he's lost. He'll be more cautious, but he will return"​

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Dinah wanted to point out that his leader hadn't answered the question in the context he'd meant.​

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The cold woke him. While he didn't need lungs, and the water posed no danger to him, he still woke. He surfaced near the shore, and clambered out on shaky legs. Shaking the cold droplets from his pelt, Madrar surveyed his surroundings. In the east, maybe two or three kilometers away, Riften was visible, to the west, the river stretched on, but only forest was visible. He was alone. That fact truly hit him with a force that nearly knocked him back into the freezing water. Varia, the one love of his life was gone, taken from him in an act of violence. A cold, boiling hatred was born in his chest. Madrar was out for revenge.​

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To Be Continued.​

 

[Madrar]

Chapter Five: BloodRage​

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The road to Riften is full of perils, with the woods and caves near the town making an ideal hide out for everything from bandits to trolls. However, all of that pales in comparison to the fury of a vampire. Madrar struck at everything that passed on the road, from noblemen to soldiers. He never went without feeding in a night, and took great pains to lay out the bodies where they would be clearly visible to the vampire hunters that had ripped Varia from him.​

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Already, the guards had discovered the first of his planted corpses. Madrar saw the light clothed, plate armoured vampire hunters, accompanying travelers moving to and from the town. "Time to turn the tables" he hissed as he watched a small group of vampire hunters cautiously moving along the road. Although he had no weapons, Madrars' people had long since perfected the art of unarmed combat. The gift of vampirism had made him much faster, and much more dangerous, as his armoured prey was about to find out.​

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The tree branch he was crouching on bent slightly as he launched himself. The man on the left, an Imperial by the look of him, didn't even have time to draw his weapon before Madrar's claws sheared through flesh and bone like paper. The man fell, most of his face obliterated, and his two companions leapt back, trying to get enough space to use their own weapons. One, a tough looking Nord drew a sword and dagger, the other, an Orc brought a war hammer to bear. The Nord attacked first, swinging the sword, jabbing the dagger, as his companion moved to cut off the vampires' escape.​

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Madrar nimbly dodged the Nords' skilled assault, and moved to the side to avoid the Orcs' war hammer. The Nord went down first, Madrars' claws tearing his throat out. The last member of the patrol, the Orc, roared, swinging his hammer in an overhead arc to crush the vampires head. Madrar stepped ahead and forwards, breaking the soldiers neck with a quick blow. As his body hit the ground, the Khajiits' keen ears picked up a whimper. Turning, he saw what, or rather who, the vampire hunters had been escorting.​

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To Be Continued.​

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[Dovakiin98]

Madrar that was a another great chapter,keep up the good work man!Although I have to tell you to control your emotions for anger leads to the Dark side.

 

[Madrar]

Madrar that was a another great chapter,keep up the good work man!Although I have to tell you to control your emotions for anger leads to the Dark side.

Ah, but the Dark side also leads to power....Or a violent death.

 

[Madrar]

Chapter Six: Surprising Discoveries​

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The coven arrived at the vast, underground hideout near Dawnstar three days after it had split into two groups. Draugr had once ruled their underground domain with impunity from the world above when Salthar arrived, that had changed. The vampire lord had bent the undead to his will, and now the long dead served him as a small but powerful army. Already, groups of necromancers were hiding in the underground tunnels, raising the dead to serve in his army. Salthar knew the necromancers served him to gain power, and perhaps immortality, but was perfectly happy with that fact. As long as they believed they'd become vampires, they remained loyal.​

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A Breton vampire, robed in shades of grey and red stepped to his side "master, we've prepared everything as you commanded" glancing at the vampire, he nodded his approval "have any of the others made it back?"​

The Breton vampire smiled, seeming relieved to report good news. "Yes, lord Vengar and the other of the coven arrived yesterday, they all seemed to be in good shape" Salthar patted the man on the shoulder absent mindedly. Although multiple Khajiit vampires were inside the cavern, none of them were the particular Khajiit he was looking for.​

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Vengar approached, him warily, sensing his restless mood. "No sign of him?" He asked, knowing the question to be futile. Salthar shook his head, the delicate bones in his jaw clenching. "He'll be alright, Salthar, he wasn't born yesterday, you know" the robed vampire threw his brother an irritated glance.​

"Do you have anything useful to tell me, or do you want to be thrown through a few meters of solid rock?" Salthar snarled. The other vampire sighed quietly, but didn't react to his brothers foul mood. "As a matter of fact, I do" he said, holding up a letter. "It's from BlackStorm, in Windhelm.Some how he survived the purge, and has some information on our..friends." The vampire lords' interest was obviously piqued, and so Vengar continued.​

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"They're a group specifically trained to kill the likes of us, calling themselves, the 'DawnGuard' their leader is named Koris Madrigan, a Breton" Salthar frowned at the name, somewhere in the recesses of his mind, the name sounded familiar, but he couldn't remember where or when he'd heard of him.​

"Where is BlackStorm now?" Salthar inquired, not seeing the black scaled Argonian in the group of vampires. "Last I heard his cover was blown in Windhelm, and he was heading here, he's got more information with him, or so he says"​

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The vampire lord acknowledged his brothers' words with a swift nod, before catching the attention of a necromancer that actually looked like he knew what he was doing. "How many Draugr have you managed to round up? " the man did some quick calculations, even flicking through a small journal before answering.​

"A few hundred, my lord, more arrive each day" a cold calculating smile showed itself on the master vampires face.​

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Madrar found himself staring down at a young Nord woman, probably no older than twenty, with shoulder length raven black hair, and blue eyes. She didn't appear afraid, but intrigued by the appearance of a Khajiit vampire, that had just massacred her escort. "You're a vampire" it was a statement, not a question.​

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"Yes" he answered, wondering why she hadn't started running back to the city.​

"You killed those three" she said indicating the dead vampire hunters.​

"Yes" he responded once again, unsure of what the girl was trying to accomplish.​

"Are you headed away from Riften?" It almost sounded like a tinge of hope had snuck into her tone.​

"Probably" Madrar said, warily, keeping an eye on the curious Nord. To his enormous surprise, she grinned, shrugged and announced "good enough for me then, let's go" and promptly began walking the road away from Riften. It took Madrar a second to realize that she actually thought she was going to travel with him.​

"Whoa,whoa, whoa!" he exclaimed, stepping in front of her. She was only about five feet tall, so it was fairly easy for the Khajiit to look down at her puzzled expression.​

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"What?" she asked blandly, "we're wasting time, let's go" Madrar stopped her with an outstretched hand. "What makes you think you're going anywhere with me?"​

"Well, you wouldn't rescue me just to abandon me, would you?" she retorted haughtily, and stepping around him and continued down the road. Sighing with frustration, the vampire shook his head and followed, not really knowing the reason why.​

 

[Aeri Shadow]

Another awesome chapter. This is turning into a really great plot line. Keep it up.

 

[Start Dale]

Finally the vampires seem worth killing. Good work!

 

[Madrar]

Thanks, hopefully chapter seven up by monday.