Zaron Nitro: The Dragon's Eye

Chapter 16: A Son's Anguish

Situated within the lounge of the Cobalt house, Lucas sat scanning through a book that he had longed to read. With his eyes transfixed solely on the mountain of text before him, he felt as though he had reached perfect tranquillity. As the trio was preoccupied with exploring Ferradon and Marc hidden away voluntarily in his room, the older Cobalt had no intention of fulfilling any work obligations or house chores. He enjoyed every second of the blissful silence, not knowing when the next opportunity would occur.

Flip.

Lucas then turned to the next page, proceeding onto a new chapter. As he turned, an image embedded into the page caught his keen eye. The image was an old, rough sketch of a ruby jewel, illuminated freely on its lone pedestal. Platinum scales bordered its rim, as though expressing its unique artistry with the utmost pride.

Knock-knock-knock!!!

Just then, the front door echoed throughout the house, causing Lucas to jump out of his skin in fright. In swift motion, he slipped a bookmark on the page and snapped the book closed.

"That must be them."

With him moment of bliss cut short, Lucas lifted from the couch casually and exited the lounge.

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK!!!

"Alright! Alright! I'm coming!" He yelled back irritably as he stepped up to the door, feeling as though it would break open.

Click.

Lucas was prepared to lecture the trio upon opening the door.

"Guys, you do realise there is a-!"

However, he froze up in horror.

"What happened?"

Before him stood an exhausted Tobi and Veena, both with an arm slung over their shoulders as desperation covered their sweat-filled faces. Between them was a deathly-pale Zaron, his entire body held lifelessly by the support of his two companions. With his gaze was blank and unresponsive, there was no doubt that his life was hanging by a thread.

"Mantis ... g-got to him." Tobi stuttered in answer, gasping for air as he was stricken with worry. "Please dad, he needs to be treated right now!"

Seeing the dreading fear eclipse his son's eyes, Lucas' expression switched immediately to severity.

"Bring him into the lounge." He ushered to Tobi and Veena, ensuring that he maintained a calm composure throughout the current dilemma. "Quickly."

Without delay, the two hoisted the limp Zaron into the house, careful not to stumble or collide against the walls as they eyed the lounge entrance. Within moments, Veena and Tobi assisted Zaron into the lounge and laid him on top of the sofa at Lucas' request, placing his body on his front with the laceration on his back in full view. At the same time, Lucas rushed up the stairs, racing to final all the necessary equipment for Zaron's treatment. Through the unexpected burst of commotion, another door in the house creaked open slyly – listening in to the events unfold.

"We need to remove the clothing from his back and cleanse the wound immediately." Tobi informed Veena sternly, acting on instinct.

As he spoke, the young Cobalt disabled the wing device on Zaron back before preparing to remove his bloodied jacket.

"It doesn't help that he's already lost a lot of blood, but ... the last thing we need is an infection."

Veena nodded without a word, complying to the requests as she assisted Tobi.

With his wings returning to existence, the two carefully slipped the jacket off from Zaron. In response, Zaron's face scrunched up and shuddered, withstanding the unbearable pain react throughout his body with every forced jolt and shift. As they removed his jacket, Veena froze momentarily. Her horrified gaze caught a brief glance of Zaron's full wounds, shock striking her internally as her eyes ran along the extent of the injury on his back and the additional laceration on his shoulder.