Whelp...

The Dragonborn's call to arms had been spread around the whole of Skyrim in no time at all, even in isolated villages men and women spoke of it. They were all made aware of the dangers volunteers would be presented with, the notion of battling against an army of dragons frightened most off, while some were excited by the prospect, eagerly wishing to be a part of this legend in the making.

Indeed, even some bandit groups were considering accepting, though this was limited to those who weren't only out for themselves and instead had a goal in mind. Should the Dragonborn and his forces fail, the world wouldn't last anyway, which pushed many potential warriors to accept.

Even Holds that had primarily Imperial-sympathising populations accepted the necessity of it, this mainly included Solitude and Morthal, who while still lacking in numbers due to the war still allowed people to choose to fight if they wished.

Many mercenary companies and guilds also accepted, the Companions, and even a couple of members of the Thieves Guild decided to go... Most of these people were just looking forward to the loot they'd get afterwards, dragon items sold for a considerable sum.

The New College of Winterhold also had members flocking to the call, mostly to see if they could gain access to Sovngarde, which was popularly thought of as a realm in Aetherius.

Despite the recent Civil War, the whole of Skyrim was working towards the singular goal of survival... Every Hold sent gold, supplies, and other essentials to Riften, the base of operation due to its vicinity to the ancient Skuldafn temple.

Dragon activity had also risen, despite the lack of any actual attacks. People reported seeing dragons flying towards the East, while others reported seeing some fly to the top of the Throat. Surtr was forced to make a statement that he was 'capturing' dragons to have them fight for Skyrim.

Some people frowned on this of course and mistrusted having a dragon at their backs, but the boon of having dragons on your side mostly halted any hostility.

Michael wasn't idle throughout all of this either, organising and equipping the willing Eredar and Volkihar vampires with Ennura, Irarus, and Serana's help. He'd also decided to claim a favour a certain Crimson Demon clan owed him...

He had considered taking the entire army to Alduin's doorstep via a large Teleportation Gate, but thought otherwise when Irarus raised a more than valid concern... "What if the dragons attack us as we are going through? We would be annihilated with no ability to defend ourselves!"

He was right too, the narrow passage would be incredibly vulnerable to dragon fire, not to mention the fact that it'd be too small to transport the entire army in good time, giving free rein to the enemy.

While the dragon would also have an advantage against an army traversing through the mountains, it'd be lesser than the risk of utilising a Teleportation Gate, at least, when considering the army as a whole.

"Big bro! Surtr and the other dragons are meeting! Durnehviir asked for you to be there!" Illococoo exclaims as she flies down in her dragon form.

"Why am I needed?"

"Because your Durnehviir's master, He said he won't do anything without your permission!"

...

He shrugs and hops onto her back, "Alright, let's go then."

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At the top of the mountain, Surtr and a large number of dragons were arguing amongst themselves, almost causing the peak to shake from the power of their combined voices.

Dragon, as a whole, was a rather egotistical and arrogant race, so even if they were willing to fight Alduin, closely following the Dragonborn's orders rubbed many the wrong way. Paathurnax's assistance swayed a few, but many more were just getting more riled up as time went on.

"Zu'u grat het fah grah!" (I came here for battle!), "Not to be ordered by a whelp only made strong by the souls of our kin!" a dragon with blue scales growls, turning angry eyes at Surtr. "You are like a leech! Wielding no power of your own except that or which you stole! Perhaps Alduin has the right idea about your pathetic species!"

Surtr rests his hand on the handle of Wuuthrad, "Are you willing to test how strong I am? It's as you said, if you won't fight willingly, I'll take your power and fight for you, dragon." he growls, causing an uproar amongst many of those present.

"YOU DARE SAY THAT WEARING THE BONES OF MY BROTHERS!? I'LL DEVOUR YOU AND LEAD THE ATTACK AGAINST ALDUIN MYSELF!" the dragon roars as it lunges at Surtr, who readies himself for battle.

*BAANG!*

A falling projectile lands heavily atop the charging dragon's head, kicking up dust which blinds everyone present momentarily...

"Huh, I expected more organisation from you Surtr, the fight is nearing and you're still dealing with ass holes that should've been quelled days ago." a casual voice remarks.

"Michael... I had this handled, dragons do not approach war as men do, it can't be done." Surtr states.

Michael brushes his clothes off as the dust clears, Illococoo landing next to Paathurnax with a wide grin on her draconic face, "You mean, 'It can't be done without force'." he glances around at the gathered dragons, "You guys are acting like your big shit, but you seem to have forgotten who won the last war! It was us! Mortals!"

"I tolerated the Dragonborn's disrespect, but this mortal doesn't even share our father's gift! Begone before I melt your flesh and crumble your bones!"

Michael snorts and points at the dragon he was standing on, "You'll learn your place or end up like your buddy here, though, I wouldn't mind another Dragon Soul to add to the pile." he says with a grin, showing his teeth.

"W-wah!? You stole his-, another Dragonborn!?" the antagonistic dragon roars in both shock and fear. Not only because another Dragonborn was present, but because this one had killed a dragon by jumping on it!