"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?" This question stopped the figure mid-way.
In an instant, the figure whirled around and launched himself toward Gabriel with terrifying speed, his hands wrapping around Gabriel's neck.
"How do you know that name? Who are you, kid?" he growled dangerously. "Gasp! I knew it, you do know him." Gabriel gasped as he tried to free himself from the figure's grasp.
The figure, realizing Gabriel was about to suffocate, released his grip. He lifted Gabriel and flung him across the cave.
Gabriel's limp body hit the ground with a loud bang. Though it seemed as if Gabriel could not feel any pain, he limply lifted himself up.
"You said you are not my enemy, so why are you attacking me?" Gabriel questioned in annoyance.
The question seemed to fall on deaf ears as the figure demanded angrily, "Answer my question, human. How do you know that name?"
"As you already know, this is not my original body. I cannot seem to recall my original memories nor the reason I was attacked. I was told that all the answers to my questions, Deimos has them," Gabriel heaved weakly.
The dragon, now in human form, observed Gabriel carefully and realized he was not lying. The intensity in his eyes softened ever so slightly, replaced by a cold, calculating expression.
"I see," the figure said, his voice now calmer but still cold. "You seek Deimos for answers. But know this, human—knowledge comes at a price, and not all truths are meant to be uncovered."
Gabriel took a shaky breath, trying to steady himself. "I have to find Deimos. I need to know the truth."
The figure regarded Gabriel with a piercing gaze. "Very well, then. If you wish to find Deimos, you must prove yourself worthy. The path ahead is fraught with danger, and only the strong will survive."
Gabriel nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "I will do whatever it takes."
The figure's expression remained impassive. He looked at Gabriel and as if seeming to realize something.
"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"