Zaron Nitro: The Dragon's Eye

Chapter 24: Heart on Fire

As the light soon dissipated, the dazzled Zaron lowered his guarding brace. He shook his head hastily to return his sight and gazed upon the pedestal that held the Dragon's Eye previously.

Both the Guardian and the Eye were nowhere to be found.

"Dammit! Where'd it go?" He yelled as he held the Artoria blade close.

Just then, he noticed Veena rush to his side – who was still disorientated upon her arrival.

"Do you think it ran away?" She wondered as she positioned herself close to his side.

Zaron shook his head.

"No ... it's still here."

He was unable to explain his reasoning, yet he felt the Guardian's intimidating presence looming within the Treasure Chamber. Both he and Veena stood back-to-back, their eyes switching constantly as they focused on investigating the surrounding chamber. Whether they were to face the Guardian or the ever-elusive Mantis, the two were prepared to fight on. At first, there were no signs of their enemy's presence.

...Leap...!

"Hm...?"

And then, as a shadow loomed over the pair, Veena glanced up.

"ABOVE!!!"

Zaron's gaze shot upwards instantly upon hearing her yell, his muscles tensioned as eyes widened at the horrifying sight that befell him.

FWOOM! Ka-BOOM!!!

The two Draiken launched themselves out of harm's way as they avoided the devastating collision, their hearts racing at the near-crushing experience.

"Mrrrrrrgh...!"

Emerging from the thick dust-cloud – the Dragon's Eye now morphed deep in its crystallized chest – was the towering Guardian. Immediately upon viewing the colossal beast, the two Draiken noticed the effects of the jewel had taken effect already. Its bulking crystallized muscles were filled with glowing dark-red rips, pulsating through its body at the pace of a heartbeat. Its blood-ruby eyes shined with ferocious adrenaline as it targeted its bothersome prey, saliva drooling from its jaws whilst it thrived in its newfound power. However, these cosmetics changes were minor compared to the addition of four new limbs.

Click..! Click...! Crack-crack...!

Grown from its torso were two additional bulky arms, flexing and crackling with anticipation as it exercised full movement in its new limbs – acting as though it was ready to crush Draiken skulls. The other two limbs that emerged were a pair of elongated demonic wings, appearing uncanny to the shape of a Draiken's wing – including several sharp talons. Fluttering and stretching with ease, the wings spanned twice the length of its own humongous body as though one simple swoop would send it flying sky bound.

Staring at the reformed crystal beast, Zaron took on his battle stance in cautious resolve – his pained heavy breaths growing hoarse by the second whilst his body shook violently. He felt drained, the deep wound in his shoulder screaming constantly as blood further stained his attire. Given the state of his body and overall consciousness, it was evident that he was close to collapse. Veena felt conscious of Zaron's wellbeing, noticing his wavering from the corner of her eye.

However, he then chuckled underneath his breath.

"Heh ... hehehe...! Hey, Veena." He called out bluntly upon flexing his wings, acting as though he was purposely taunting the beast. "This 'bozo' thinks he could copy us."

Veena gazed at him in bafflement, wondering if he had lost his mind – before deciding to follow his lead.

"Tsk...! The nerve." Veena responded in a loud, cheeky tone, acting disgusted at the prospect. "Maybe we should cut it down to size as punishment."