Reincarnated as a Phoenix

__________

(Temporary Perspective Change)

<Hmph… you understand I picked this location for a reason? You put yourself in great harm coming out here and for what? A chance of petty conversation that will only bore me, or a fight that will only end in your death?>

Awakening to the sound of paws tapping inside my cave, I couldn’t care for any company, even if said company is a member of my own species.

A cave purposely as close as possible to the faltering human empire, a failed attempt to get all who annoy me far enough away so I wouldn’t have to deal with annoyances. They call me crazy for sticking to this mountain range for so long yet, here I still live while all those so-called brethren either hide, cower, die or become slaves for the little mortals.

They know where to come if they wish for this dragon to wear chains… although. Less and less of them come up here nowadays, I’d feel insulted if they’ve forgotten about me already.

And here is one of them, albeit a lizard sister rather than a brother. I’ve seen enough red dragons for a lifetime and this young one, maybe past the tender age of two hundred, dares to come into my nest without invitation? Just from her larger than average size alone, her past must’ve been full of heartache and misery. She should know better.

<…>

<Speak, young and foolish dragon! You dare to waste my precious time gawking?>

<Sorry, it’s just… forget it. I was told you were grumpy but I didn’t expect you to be this bad>

…

It takes but a moment but this dragon has already made my mood turn even darker. I’ve killed our kind plenty of times before so if she’s looking for my anger, she will get it.

<Hmph… get on with it before you really test my patience. What is the reason for this visit?>

<Well… you are the last true descendant of the ancient dragons, correct? Your blood is considered legendary and I wish to learn everything I can!>

…

This young red dragon travels all this way from who knows where, right at the cusp of an empire that destroys and enslaves dragons by will and wishes to become my student? Hmph… already see where this is going, that stupid smile on her stupid face says it all really.

<Why would I do such a thing? Planning on raising hell or ruling the world with an iron paw? I’ve heard all of this before so save me the hassle and leave… you’ll falter and fall like the rest of the idiots>

<Oh, but I doubt you’ve heard my reasoning before>

<Hmph. Try me>

<Well… you see… I wish to become a mother>

…

As soon as the happy younger dragon makes her response, I’m taken aback and can’t help but get up from my napping position I was still curled in. Out of everything you could want power for… children? Is she insane? It’ll take more than just one dragon to rebuild our dwindling population so unless she’s got fertility rivalling a hare in heat, that can’t be her the goal.

<Fertility isn’t something that can be achieved using the voice, youngster. We’ve been doomed from the moment we decided to try and enslave those mortals. If the rest of our kind had listened… we wouldn’t have been set on such a devastating path>

Many will lie on what started the dragonic-human war, but it comes down to one simple mistake. We thought humans couldn’t surpass a certain point, garner enough strength and magic, to stage an uprising. None listened when I warned diamonds can be made when you twist and break something so much. Now, we’re all paying for the mistakes my ancestors started when prodding the empire. They may be weaker than they once were, but us dragons share the exact same fate.

<True, but I wish for the power to protect my offspring… world peace honestly sounds a bit boring. Your voice is legendary, unlike no other dragon alive. I can already feel it as it remains as mute as a mouse>

<Hmph… a desire to become an overburdening mother then? You plan to smother your children to death?>

<Speaking from experience or jealously? Look fabled Dermakvar, I don’t wish to argue on something this petty. The fact is, only you still have some of that blood, and I wish for you to teach me a little of it>

…

I’m… conflicted. It’s been a very long time since any person, whether it be dragon or mortal came close to making my jaw drop yet this bold dragon has done the trick. The last I believe was that odd yellow bird, the phoenix who came along looking for artefacts to buy. I lost a great deal from my nest that day, but the piles of gold he gave me was inspiring. I still remember that first shine of my pit being half full with all that gold… where was I again? Oh yes…

<Hmph… let’s say I accept, what would I get out this relationship? What use would a dragon of your age serve me?>

<That’s easy really, help and company, I’ve already noticed little things that would make your life a lot easier. A nest made from furs and not sharp twigs… a drinking pit from could flow from that hole up there… oh! Even alcohol as well, I know where to get the best drinks!>

Her ideas… are not half bad, but I’ll have to be careful with my nest. If her intent is to clean out my pit, she won’t lay a single claw on my gold before my teeth find her neck.

<Hmph… you say drink, but what exactly? I’m doubtful my tastes will align with yours>

<I’m not picky, but the stronger, the better. The little people in the northwest do it the best!>

She’s even aware on the luxury drinks the dwarfs create? Maybe I’ve been a little too harsh with this dragon. Did she mention her name yet…

__________

<Hehehe… look at me Dermakvar! I’m a bat!>

<Hmph… are we really doing this today?>

<Hehe… there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Find a tree and join me!>

<Hmph, I’ll stick to the ground for now>

Hanging upside down from a gigantic tree branch, the dragon turned bat Kellearzar swings and laughs from the childish attempt of having fun. Ever since she came here, she’s always had a way of lighting the mood when things seem dire. This year, six dragons were already lost to time and we found out earlier another has departed this life. Rumour has it, just one hatched but technically wasn’t a dragon, resembling a black feathered creature that is blind? I don’t believe all rumours I here…

The specific details on the dragons deaths like all rumours are impossible to know, but you can always feel and sense it in the wind. Never anything natural and always involve a bloody fight of some kind, dragons are entuned with death more than any creature. You could honestly say we’re the harbingers of it if you ever listen to any of those mortal songs they dance and drink to.

<Hey Dermakvar… how did the first dragons come to be?>

<You ask on how we were created?>

<No no, not that. I mean, how were things in the beginning? My father never talked about the past, always telling me to look to the future>

Always living a somewhat sheltered life, the only parent Kellearzar knew was that odd white fellow I’ve had the displeasure of meeting once or twice. The oldest of the old guard, somehow still full of life even when he lost his colour thousands of years ago. How he’s survived so long is a mystery to all.

As for her mother… no one seems to know and that meat hating father of hers won’t tell. I understand he just wants his daughter to be happy and any truth would make her sad. I wouldn’t want to see that smile leave her face either…

<He speaks sense even if most of what he says is madness. How it was back then was chaotic, all manner of the dead arriving in this world and they all would have their own goals and motivations. Some would long for peace, most would long for more bloodshed while others longed for power>

Just another sad tale of this world that used to exclusively house the dead, it’s for the best those days are long gone. I presume the primordial beings had a hand in stopping that because it was another unsolved mystery than few can answer. Everything comes to an end, however long this world lasts just comes down to who is willing to die for it.

<I’ve witnessed tragedy that would break even the strongest of minds, all for power and control that only a few will ever possess. Millions dead for the stupidest of reason, and war nev->

<Woah… ahhh-, ouch! Damn it…>

Cutting me off midsentence, the tree snaps from the weight of the larger dragon and she falls right on her head. Could I have caught her? Yes. Should I? Eh… seems like too much work.

<Listen up Red, we should get moving unless you want to hang around some more>

<Are you still planning on calling me that? Kell…ear…zar. See? It’s not difficult to pronounce… or did you forget again?>

<Never forgot your name, Red. It’s just that I’ve lost so many named brethren already… it now twists my gut to say them out loud. If you want me to call you something else, then choose because I don’t care>

<What about… darling, honey, dear, sweetie… whatever feels natural to you. I’m fine with any nice nickname really!>

Smiling away, the dragon seems surprisingly happy considering that lump on her head is quickly growing. As long as she’s happy, I guess…

<Not sure on sweetie but darling sounds good. Or dear… both of them work>

<Hehe, can’t believe you agreed to that so easily. You do know married mortals use little names like that? I never pictured us as a cute little mortal couple!>

…

<Hmph… and now you’ve ruined it, Red. Daylight is growing and I want to eat before the patrols reach this area>

<Aww… come on, I liked it! Call me it again!>

<Hmph… not a chance>

<Come on! Don’t make me beg for it because I will. I’m very good at getting my way Dermakvar, I can pester you for a lifetime if that’s what need to happen>

…

<Sigh… whatever dear. Can we head back yet? I’m hungry…>

__________

(Kellearzar) <*Snoring*>

<…>

Deep in sleep, I dream about the days of old were the dragons ruled the world and the mortals were nothing more than the servants used for picking out dirt from our claws and teeth. Those were the days… that I’ll never forget even though I try my best to. Mortals may be nasty but they are nothing compared to the heart of a cold dragon. Wyverns are still the worst out of the lot of them… they just me feel icky and I don’t know why. Maybe it’s the lack of arms? Yeah… think that’s it.

The main issue in those days involved a long and complex feud with a family that all deserve to die. My own father tried to kill me, and my brother… and my sister. The entire family and their thirst for power never ended, good thing I got away young and left them to their own devices. All but the sister should be dead by now, she lost her sanity and never had the chance of learning the true voice.

The dreams continue on, until my scales begin to crawl and I know I’m being watched. Not by the other dragon, this aura stinks of human…

“Arghhhhh! D-Die dragon!”

“What the hell are you doing, Jake? Don’t attack it!”

“We can’t take on two dragons, you moron! Fuck!”

Three little pests enter my nest, one of which leads the charge only armed with a tiny axe humans use for scaling up mountains. I’m insulted that he thinks he can bring me down with such a small little device.

Tossing the charging foe aside, I’m mentally hurt. These three are so weak, there’s no chance I could make their suffering worthwhile. I guess the only course of action is to tear them apart, limb from limb until all that’s left is little pieces…

<Dermakvar, wait! Instead of killing them… how about we just let them go?>

“You want me to spare these insignificant little pests after they dare to wonder into a dragon’s nest!? Then, insult me further by not even taking the fight seriously!?!”

Speaking purposely to put the fear of their Gods within the little mortals, all of them shake uncontrollably at the sight of just a portion of what dragon voice can produce. Or, is it the mountain shaking from my sound?

<Mortals have always done crazy things when afraid, can you really blame them? They climb this high up, and then find two dragons happily snoring away. One wakes up so what do they do? Run off the cliff to their deaths or stand and fight?>

I disagree with her point but best not argue on something this minor. Humans aren’t worth the time nor effort.

<And also… don’t do that>

“Do what?”

<That. You’re hurting yourself>

Seeing the red dragon turn an even brighter shade of red… no Dermakvar. Put that aside for now, these vermin are still in the way.

<Be warned little rats, you speak of us and the consequences will be dire. We haven’t burnt down a village for a few decades, how many do you think we could destroy in a week? A month, or a year? What about decades of death, all on your shoulders for not keeping your lips shut?>

“W-We won’t! You have o-our word”

“Not a-a single word, z-zip!”

“I-I-I… n-need new u-underwear”

Letting the little mortals keep their lives for now, the three climbers shake their way back down the cliff face, leaving just me and Kellearzar alone again. It would’ve been better if I ripped them apart and decorated my cave for future trespassers… not going to argue on it though. Just a small lecture will do for my companion.

<Hmph… such nativity. They may not return but more will, and those ones will be ready for a fight>

<Sometimes… just having a little faith in others is enough, Dermakvar. Besides, would you really care if we end up with some more company up here?>

<Hmph, I stay up here to get away from the company but, I see your point. If things go bad, it’s always good to send a message. This mountain range will always be off limits to those who want to cause harm>

Alas, Kellearzar’s faith in the mortals were incorrect and a small army came searching the mountains a few days later. But of course, they were met long before stepping foot on the range. That’s beyond the point though, there never was a single human that can withstand the true language of the dragons. It was never made for control or power; it was made simply for death…

<Hmph… maybe it’s time for you to learn the true meaning of the voice. You’ve been pestering me long enough about it already>

<Pestering you? I can always leave you all to your lonesome if that’s what you think of me sticking around>

<A-Ahem, ignore that comment. Back on topic…>

Trying to dodge an imminent arrow, this dragon has always had an anger and a sensitivity that even frightens me. Don’t take that smile upon her face as a real reflection, she is dastardly, even managing to trick the poor and innocent me into the nest last night. Or the last thousand nights, time becomes harder to track with age. She really can be a lovely companion… getting rapidly bigger the more I teach her as well. Never mention a dragons weight to a female lizard, they don’t take it as a compliment…

<The reason why dragon tongue is so potent just comes down to one fact really… death. It harnesses the power of death, calls upon the ancient spirits and uses them as a conduit to unleash untapped potential. All of the voice reflects that in one way or another, just most of it is restricted to those not sharing the bloodline>

<But… that makes no sense. The only people harnessing the power of the dead are the Gods that specialize in it>

<No darling, they only handle the soul afterwards. For the voice itself, it’s too complicated a matter to discuss with a novice like myself. The relevant part is, dragon tongue holds more power than you can imagine. Even the primordial beings are unable to withstand it>

Maybe I exaggerate on that last part but the power is comparable to theirs at least. Just think about how many souls get lost up here and never find their way to the final rest, this world was meant to be the final stop for all that come here. Or now, more specifically, that small Underworld dungeon they had to conjure up at the last minute.

<Every time a dragon speaks, a little part of them dies, we all know this and it’s why we keep it to a minimum. That’s just one half of the language though>

I pause for just a second for darling to understand the weight of my words. This is something I cannot give her.

<The unfiltered other half of it… I’ll never teach you. It’s akin to suicide. Every dragon has the ability to learn it, a rare few can bypass it completely while most die young, having no control. Already know it’s taken thousands of years of life from me personally>

To see this young and chipper dragon experience such turmoil… no. I’ve already sworn a vow already. The last ramblings of this voice, dies with me. The only way it could be passed down is through offspring.

<It’s… connected to the curse that’s killed so many of us, isn’t it Dermak? The ones who were unable to bare it>

<Correct darling. It came from the blood gift the first of our species inherited. The name dragon descendant just happened to stick. There’s no cure, at least of any dragon knows of…>