11 The Weak and The Strong

'... The Dragon Priest Ritual...' Miraak thought as he stared at Alduin.

After all, he technically will be a Dragonborn in the future, if the future goes in the way he remembers.

...

As the strong winds of the Sea of Ghosts, the sea separating Atmora from Tamriel pushed the Atmorians' ships, Alduin was staring at a child on the shores.

"Ful Los Fin Sonaak... So that is the new Priest?" He asked his lieutenant and younger brother, Paarthurnax, who was flying near him.

"Geh. Dii Drog. Rok Los Fin Sonaak... Yes, My Lord. He is the new Priest." Paarthurnax responded respectfully.

...

Feeling an immense pressure, Miraak knew that Alduin was testing him.

Although he studied Alduin's origin in Apocrypha, the sources were always saying that either he was split from Akatosh at some point in the past or that he was the First created dragon by Akatosh's hands.

It didn't matter where he came from, because he was, undoubtedly, the strongest being alive in the present Era.

The immense pressure was so much that Miraak started to clench his teeth extremely hard, to the point of gushing blood.

He won't kneel, for he is the one to be kneeled to. He won't beg, for he is the one to be begged to.

Seeing such a child endure the pressure, Alduin smiled cruelly, showing his sharp teeth to the world.

Since he controlled the pressure, no dragons flying near him or men on the ships under him, knew that he was pushing Miraak to the limit.

As the snow under Miraak started to blow away harder and harder, he felt his blood rush through his nose, his eyes, and his ears.

Suddenly, the pressure vanished.

Feeling it going away, Miraak sighed tiredly. But he never kneeled.

As he was recuperating, a huge shadow landed in front of him, making a huge impact on the land, blowing away again the snow on Miraak's face.

As if to humiliate him, Paarthurnax stared at him and said, "Aan Lir Unt Wah Kron Ko Aan Dovah... A worm trying to win over a Dragon."

Clenching his teeth and his fists, Miraak finally understood, yet again, his situation.

If he wanted to not suffer utter humiliation, he needed power.

If he wanted to defeat them, he needed power.

If he wanted to... kill all opposition... he needed power.

A power that Miraak needed from them. From the ritual. From Akatosh.

Since he knew that if he didn't kneel, he would be finished. His life, his second chance.

As Miraak's legs started to kneel, his eyes started to redden and blood started to fall from his finger's nails penetrating his hands.

"Aan Lir Fod Dreh Nust Dreh Pruzaan... A worm should do what they do best." Paarthurnax said glaring at the trembling Miraak on the ground. Which he thought was 'Fear'.

But, he was wrong.

So much anger. So much rage.

Miraak was trembling from pure anger.

His blood boiling so hot that he could feel his breath melting the below snow.

Staring at him one last time, Paarthurnax flew away.

But, Miraak continued there, on the ground.

Remembering his Past Self. He remembered his past actions.

When he ignored Akatosh's request to stop Alduin.

'... Weak.'

Ignored Mankind's request for help.

'... Coward.'

'... Indeed. You're a coward.' Suddenly, a voice he wanted to forget sounded in his head.

His voice when he was Hermaous Mora's puppet. His voice when he was disfigured beyond recognition and forcefully put a horrendous mask.

His voice sounded so familiar yet so revolting.

'... Look at you. A weakling begging for his life.' HIs repulsive voice said again.

'... Shut up.' He though gritting his teeth.

'... Wanting to be a hero, now?... After all the suffering you did to countless innocents souls, you want peace??' The voice sounded again. The more he listened, the more revolting it became.

'... No.' He thought as he slowly stood up.

'... Refuse me all you want... In the end, you're still me and I'm you.' The monstrous voice said as it slowly disappeared.

Clicking his tongue, Miraak stared at the snow that became red because of his blood.

'Hero, huh... Such selfish title.' He thought as he slowly walked away.

'Who decides what's good from the bad?... In the end, you're just the villain for your opponent...' He thought as he slowly entered his hideout.

'... Indeed... Only the winner decides what's good and bad... And to become the winner...' Miraak thought as he slowly opened his hands, showing flames with electric shocks flying around the flames.

"... Power." He said with a new but dangerous light in his eyes.