"Wait, how did you know what I was looking for?"
Only silence met his question as the figure ignored him.
"You do know what I am speaking of, don't you? Are you perhaps Deimos?"
At the mention of the name, the figure's movement halted—not in surprise at Gabriel's search for answers, but at the particular name he had spoken.
Slowly, he turned.
And in an instant, he was upon Gabriel, his hands wrapping around Gabriel's neck with terrifying force.
"How do you know that name?" His voice was low, controlled, but steeped in danger. "Who told you of him?"
Gabriel gasped, struggling against his grasp. "I knew it—you do know him!"
The figure tightened his grip, his gaze piercing, assessing. But after a moment, he released Gabriel, flinging him across the cave instead.
Gabriel's body slammed into the ground, the impact jarring, though his mind refused to focus on the pain. He dragged himself up, irritation flickering in his eyes.
"You said you are not my enemy, so why are you attacking me?"
The figure did not respond to that. Instead, his voice remained sharp, demanding, "Answer my question, human. How do you know of Deimos?"
Gabriel exhaled, his body weak but his mind sharp. "This is not my original body. I can't recall my true memories, nor the reason I was attacked. But I was told that Deimos has all the answers I seek."
The dragon, now in human form, observed Gabriel carefully. Not shocked, not hesitant—just watching, calculating.
He gave a slow, deliberate nod. "I see."
His voice had lost its hostility, but not its coldness. "You seek Deimos for answers. But knowledge comes at a price. Not all truths should be uncovered."
Gabriel steadied himself. "I have to find Deimos. I need to know the truth."
The figure regarded him for a long moment, then finally turned.
"Follow me."
It commanded, turning to lead Gabriel through winding tunnels and cavernous chambers.
They arrived at a secluded, lonely chamber, dimly lit by a soft, ethereal glow emanating from the walls.
The dragon turned to face Gabriel, his eyes revealing a depth of wisdom and sorrow. "I can offer you something of great value," he said, his voice heavy with meaning. "But in return, I require a favor."
Gabriel's curiosity was piqued. "What do you want from me?"
The dragon extended his hand, and from the shadows emerged a small figure. It was a baby dragon, but in human form, appearing around ten years old.
The child's eyes, though youthful, held a depth of knowledge and sadness that mirrored the dragon's own.
"This is my child," the dragon said, his voice tinged with a rare tenderness. "I am dying, and my time is running out. I need you to take care of my child. Protect him, guide him, and in return, I will give you treasures of great power—treasures that will test the limits of what your body can handle."
Gabriel's eyes widened in shock. "You... you want me to protect your child?"
The dragon nodded. "Yes. My child's safety is paramount. Without the treasures I am giving you. You will never be able to meet him. Deimos holds the key to many secrets, but my child's protection is my final wish."
Gabriel looked at the young dragon, feeling a sense of responsibility and determination well up within him. "I will do it," he said firmly. "I will protect your child and ensure his safety."
The dragon's eyes softened, a flicker of hope lighting within them. "Thank you, human. Your journey will not be easy, but I believe you have the strength to succeed."
As Gabriel prepared to enter the chamber, the dragon spoke one last time. "Remember, the path ahead is fraught with danger. Trust in yourself and in the bond you will form with my child. Together, you may find the answers you seek and uncover the treasures that will aid you."
Gabriel stepped inside the chamber with the child in his arms." Thank yo-" But when he turned around he saw the dragon's disappearing figure.
To honor the dragon's wish, Gabriel bowed deeply as he saw the dragon's leaving figure not turning back.
The baby dragon had cuddled himself onto Gabriel's arms falling asleep. Gabriel looked at the innocent young boy and could not help but smile.
Gabriel wanted to pinch those soft cheeks but refrained from doing so. Instead he put the sleeping child on a soft cushion nearby and walked towards the middle of the chamber.
"Open"