The next morning we woke up and set out early. Apart of me expect Akara to be gone when I woke up, or to find myself dead even. But I was still alive and she was still next to me just as she said she would be. She knew who I was. She knew she was destined to slay me before I had a chance to slay her. Surely she must have known why I was going to the Throat of the World by now. Of what my intentions were, or at least trying to be. To be quite honest what my intentions were any more myself.

POV Switch

Night had settled and that meant there was only one day left before we made it to where we had been aiming to. I knew I needed to make a choice, and quickly at that. I glanced up at Alun, well Alduin, as he sat on the other side of the fire quietly reading a small book he had stuffed in his bag. The light flickered and my eyes wandered to my scarf that was still around his neck. It all made sense now. Reptiles were cold-blooded creatures and a dragon just happened to fall within that category. If his body temperature were to get too cold then his heart would stop. I let my cheek rest in my palm. To think such a powerful man could be taken down by such a simple thing.

" Didn't anyone teach you that it's not polite to stare?" He asked without looking up. His words didn't phase me in the slightest.

" Didn't anyone teach you that it's not polite to lie?"

I noticed his shoulders tense in the slightest. Then he let out a sigh in defeat, closing his book.

" What are you still doing here Akara?" He asked as he looked up at me. " You should just kill me and get it over with."
" I could say the same to you."
There was silence as he averted his eyes.
" The markings. What are those for?"

He sent me a small scowl before placing his book to the side and running a hand through his hair. " They are what bound me to the dragon."
I rose a brow. " You mean the dragon everyone believes is you?"

He gave a small nod.

" So then is he apart of you?"
" I guess. I can't control him, in fact it's more like he controls me at some points."

I noticed his voice give out on the last part of his words. I chewed on the inside of my lip nervously, knowing I had to tread carefully.

" So if he dies?"

" The bond is broken. I'm a free man. Don't think I haven't tried killing him myself already. He's stronger than he looks, his scales thicker than any dragon."

" Is there any other way for you to break the bond?"

Now it was his turn to hesitate. " Yes, but you wouldn't like it."

I waited patiently, staring at him until he broke. He brought his knees up and rubbed at his face. Then he met my gaze once more.
" I kill you."

I sat silently. So this was really how it was going to end? With one of us at the end of each other's blade. I nearly laughed at the thought of it. I would be able to draw a blade to him, by striking him with it was another story. I'd die at Alduin's hands, go down in the history books as the dragon born that failed to end this era of trouble until another should show. If another were to show.

I smile played at my lips although it was more of one of sadness rather than happiness.

" Then I guess we've got a hell of a fight to look forward to." I tried to keep my voice even but it ended up weak instead. Alduin didn't smile.

" I guess we do."

I finished stuffing my bedroll before checking over my shoulder. Alduin laid asleep, piled in between his bedroll and under the extra blanket he brought with him. I knelt silently in front of him, reaching out and brushing his cheek. He shuddered at my touch but didn't wake. When he told me that the only way to release his bond was to slay the dragon I had immediately decided that's what I was going to aim to do. When he had mentioned the second choice I didn't scare away from the idea. Was I to be selfish and let myself die so I knew he could be a free man? Or did I live on to save all of Skyrim? That I had still not decide on however I did know that I couldn't follow through with my plan with him by my side.

My hand began to glow as I casted a spell. His body went limp before he even had a chance to fight it. From there I bounded his hands together then tied above his head and to the tree. The way I had done it still allowed him to be covered to keep him warm only when he woke up he would struggle to break free. It would give me just enough time that I needed.

Just before I left I turned and fed the fire. Giving him one last look I whispered my apologies then took off the slay the dragon on my own.