Paarthurmax didn't waste any time. In fact I nearly fell from how quickly he took off. My knuckles turned white and I buried my face into Akara's scarf to protect myself from the impact of the wind. I did have to admit, riding on the back of an ancient dragon was something that I could never forget. However it was not something I could enjoy.
When I glanced down I spotted the blasted beast slowly making its way. My eyes traced its path and my heart nearly stopped. Akara laid, trying to make it to her feet. Only it took more time than I would have liked it to.
As soon as we landed I jumped off without missing a beat. Both heads turned towards us. Immediately I looked at her. Her condition was much worse than I had thought. Blood trickled down from her lips to her chin, scratches were scattered about her skin and on her thigh I could see a burn that even caused me to want to wince in pain.
" Alduin, glad to see you've finally made it." The beast teased. " I see you brought company with you."
I drew my sword and faced him, making him chuckle.
" You and I both know you can't kill me. Have you forgotten about the last time you tried to pull that stunt?"
A wing wrapped protectively around me.
" Focus on me, not on him." Paarthurmax demanded. "I'm the one you fight."
The black dragon twisted his head to the side. " Is that so? Then lets battle old man, see if you can still fight like how you use to. But first-"
His eyes met mine. My heart hammered in fear as I tried to look away, knowing what was coming next, but I was too late. My sword clattered to the ground as I dropped to my knees clenching my head. My head throbbed in such unbearable pain that I couldn't even scream. I heard Akara call out to me. I tried to hang onto reality as I looked up at her. But slowly everything about her seemed to disappear. Her name was gone, my memories of her were gone. I had forgotten everything about her except for the fact that I had to kill her.
POV Switch
When Alduin looked at me I felt fear trickle down my spine. His pupils changed into those of a dragon, narrow and unforgiving. Paarthurmax had already taken to the sky for his battle so there was no one left to protect the man in front of me. Or more so protect me from him.
He grabbed his sword as he stood. The sparkle that dashed across his eyes was the only thing that made me reach for the hilt of my own.
" Alduin." I spoke carefully. He cocked his head to the side, grinning. It had been the first time I had notice the settle sharp point of his eyeteeth. Almost like they were small fangs.
" It's about time we met dragonborn." He chuckled, his voice filled with blood-thirst." How long I've been waiting for this day."
" Alduin listen to me. This isn't you." I urged as I began to circle around following his steps. He playfully twirled his sword in his hand.
" You can't fight with your blade sheathed. Be a good girl, draw your sword me so I at least have a little fight before I kill you!"
As he finished his words he swung down at me. I immediately drew my sword and blocked. But his strength was too strong and my wounded leg buckled underneath me. As I fell to the floor I rolled, dodging his strike again. I stammered to my feet with the pain causing me to see white. It was no use, I wouldn't able to fight this exhausted and this wounded at the same time.
" Do you know what it's like to be controlled? To have such an urge to be free? That's all I've ever wanted in my life, to be free from that beast. Is that really so much to ask for?"
I tried to catch my breath as I leaned up against a rock.
" It's clear I could never slay him. No one can. In fact I'm sure Paarthurmax may not even be able to. So the only that's left standing in the way of my freedom is you."
The tip of his sword rested peacefully under my chin. It couldn't be possible. Alduin, the true Alduin, still had to be there. I scowled and quickly raised my leg and kicked his sword from his hand only to feel the back of his hand collide with my cheek. My world buzzed and nearly faded to black as I hit the ground hard. In fact I'm sure I would have if it hadn't been for the feeling of Alduin's foot pushing down onto my back.
" I've been you for years, dragonborn. I've learnt how you fight, what your strengths and weaknesses are. I know you from the inside out." I felt his hand grab my ponytail and pull back as he eased his foot of my back. From there he reached down and took the dagger that was at my belt before holding it to my throat.
" Any last words dragonborn?"
The corners of my lips twitched upward. Then I parted my lips and let my shout escape me.