章節 491: Paarthurnax

Michael shrugs in response to Arngeir's question, "She's a species of dragon different to the local ones. She has no relation to Akatosh, but she can transform from a dragon to human form at will." he says, not willing to explain further.

Arngeir nods, "Interesting..." he says before his expression firms, "And... What's this about a dragon at the top of the mountain?" he asks, his voice going colder than the icy mountain winds. Indeed, Michael could have sworn the winds had gotten faster and more chaotic...

...

"I already know of Paarthurnax, the redeemed second of Alduin. Don't worry, I none of us want to harm him. We just wanted to view Skyrim from the highest point." he explains.

Arngeir and the other Greybeards stare at Michael for a moment, their eyes boring into his soul. They relent, allowing Michael to breathe easy, "I see. Well then, we can only ask that you keep the existence of Paarthurnax secret. There are those who remember his misdeeds, and would hunt him despite his efforts to rectify his mistakes."

Michael nods, "I promise, plus, I'll kick the shit out of any Blade I meet... Those guys are a bunch of assholes anyway." he says, causing Arngeir to give a low chuckle.

"Before you leave, we would like to test young Illoc-... Illocc..." Arngeir coughs into his fist after his second time failing to pronounce Illococoo's name, "The young dragon."

Illococoo gives a toothy grin, "That would be great! Also, you can call me Illu... Big bro doesn't like to say my full name either."

Arngeir nods, "Thank you for your understanding then... Now, would you show us what you've learned thus far?"

Illococoo smiles as she skips over to a cliff that overlooks much of Skyrim, "Watch this!" she exclaims before turning into his dragon form, "LOK VAH KOOR!" she shouts, her voice booming, rippling the very air as a visible shockwave flies high into the sky.

Once it reaches the clouds above, it dissipates, doing seemingly nothing for a moment... Until all of the clouds for many miles simply fade out of existence, revealing the bright blue sky and the shining sun above it.

With that, Illococoo turns to the group, "How was that!? Good right!?"

Arngeir nods, "Very impressive Illu, one would need thirty years of intense training to achieve something of a similar scale. Might I ask how long you've been practising?"

Illococoo turns to her human form and taps her chin, "Erm... Around two years?"

...

Arngeir wets his lips at that, while it wasn't surprising for a dragon to be talented in the Thu'um, it was a little unsettling to know just poor their own talent is compared to it... This was especially apparent when you consider that each Greybeard was the cream of the crop, each incredibly talented in their own right... At least, by mortal standards.

...

"A-and... How old would you yourself be?"

"Hmmmm... Under twenty years... I think? Big sis-... Big sis would give me birthdays but I don't remember much before that." she says, her mood plummeting at the remembrance of Charlotte.

Arngeir stifles his disbelieving and slightly bitter look, all while Michael chuckles at their visible plight, "Then, would you be interested in learning under us?"

Illococoo quickly nods, "You want to teach me?"

"Yes... But, you would have to follow our teachings... The Way of the Voice."

"What's that?" Illococoo ask, she'd read about it but there was little actual information to be had. Most of it was from word of mouth, which wasn't exactly suited to being kept in the Arcaeneum.

"In simple terms, the Way of the Voice is about seeking personal enlightenment through understanding the world and yourself. We are pacifistic, only using our gifts in times of great need." Arngeir explains.

Illococoo hums in thought, "But, would I be able to help big bro?" she asks, having wanted to help him deal with the dragon problem.

Arngeir shakes his head, "Unfortunately, unless your own life was in great peril, no. Willingly entering combat is something we advise against, as it could quickly lead you down the wrong path."

"Then... Sorry, but I'll keep learning on my own." Illococoo sadly says.

Before the Greybeard is able to respond, a deep voice reverberates down the mountain. "Drun fin Pakol kiir."(Bring the foreign child.)

Arngeir's eyes widen, "Paarthurnax calls for you... Let us not keep him waiting." he says, quickly making his way to the pathway that was blocked by magical winds. He and the other Greybeards clear a path for the trio as they all traverse up the mountain.

Soon enough, they reach the top and are greeted with an absolutely huge dragon which sat atop a nearby Word Wall. Paarthurnax was far, far bigger than the dragon he'd fought before, and probably much more powerful to boot.

"In Paarthurnax, mu lost bo."(Master Paarthurnax, we have come.) Arngeir says as he and the rest of the Greybeards bow deeply towards the dragon.

Paarthurnax slowly nods his large horned head before turning towards Illococoo. "Kiir, child, you have arrived... Hmm... This feeling, you have brought the Zahpraandrun," the dragon states as he looks at Michael.

"Zahpreendrun?" Michael wonders aloud, confused at the meaning... It kinda sounded like a dragon name...

"Death Bringer." the dragon answers, "Where do you Kulchur, originate from... What Suleyksejunm what realm do you rule?"

...

"Er, no realm? And I kept help stinking of death anyway, it wasn't exactly a choice of mine." Michael says, now sure that the dragon was speaking of his [Dead God...?] status...

"Hmm, intention or not, it is what you are. Make peace with it, drem. Control of mind." Paarthurnax says before turning back to Illococoo, "It has been many years that I have conversed with a Dovah, fron or not. Tell me, kiir, what do you seek in this life? What drives you? What hind?"

"I want my family to be safe, I want to protect everyone! I want to save big sis!" Illococoo answers after taking a moment to think about it.