The Shadow that Lurks (IV)

I started to run away from Maria, luckily my enemy only chased me. I'm faster on the ground, but the moment he stretches his wings to fly over he overtakes me and falls in front of me. He won't let me run away, eh? Not that I can do it being locked inside this barrier either. I hope Lavos keeps his words about not hurting her, so I can concentrate fully on this fight. He doesn't seem to do anything but contemplate the battle, he might have something up his sleeve.

Without further thought I grabbed my katana with both hands and went to attack him, if this one really has the potential to cut through everything I should be able to easily finish off this monster, as well as I did with Victor. A new roar made me stop for a second giving me the chills, but I was able to overcome it and keep going.

Sadly my cut didn't make it, his skin is very tough and it didn't even tickle. I tried a couple more times in various places to no avail. This beast raised an arm and even though I blocked it the impact sent me flying into the walls of light.

"Are you all right Asriel!?"

"...I think so" I replied getting to my feet.

"Well done, now rip it apart without a trace!"

Following his orders he lunges with his snout in front of me trying to bite me and I barely manage to move aside. I was so focused on it that with his sharp claws he scratched me, tearing off much of the flesh on my right shoulder.

"Ahhh!"

I felt an indescribable pain that instinctively made me recoil and move away from him.

"Asriel!" I heard a voice shout with concern.

This is not working. I have no strength left to hold my sword, nor do I have enough mastery to use it with my left hand. If I let Maria heal me, that guy will realize what she is capable of and could become a target, I can't allow that.

I need to defeat him as soon as possible.

"Stop delaying the inevitable, I will not allow that tragedy to happen again. Finish it, Shadow Dragon!" shouted Lavos in a haughty tone.

"Why are you talking as if I'm the bad guy!?"

Did I do something to earn his hatred? I'm sure I haven't seen him before, he must be confusing me with someone else. In any case I have to take care of this current situation.

It seems that Lavos is not a fighter after all, so I just have to keep the dragon away and deliver the final blow on its owner. I possess the surprise factor that none of them expect, I'll take full advantage of it. I don't like the idea of killing another human being... although if I don't my life and Maria's are in danger.

My right arm is completely useless, but I can still fight. I keep my katana inside me and at that moment I feel another power unlocking and waiting to be summoned.

I activate my glove on my left hand and turn around. I have a slight wound on that arm that I made with my sword a few minutes ago so as not to succumb to the effects of paralysis from fear, but it's insignificant considering how I'm now.

The creature approaches trying to scratch me, however I'm able to dodge it easily thanks to the ability of my thumb. Again and again it keeps trying, but its movements seem to be extremely slow compared to a few seconds ago. Angrily he tries to bite me to which I bend forward to give him a strong punch in the lower jaw.

I noticed one detail, there was no rejection. Unlike all the other creatures with which always touching them with my glove has that effect, in this case it did not happen. What does this mean? Can I affirm that whatever this enemy is, it's not the same as the others?

While I was thinking about it he stretched his wings and came flying to finish me off, which I avoided by staying still and at the last second dodging by bending my back back to the ground in a pose that would be impossible for me to achieve if it wasn't for my power. As a result he ends up hitting head first and gets smashed against the barrier with a cry of pain.

"What the hell do you think you're doing!? Get up and eat him!" shouted his master in disappointment.

The black dragon turns around letting out a menacing roar. Something was different, it didn't feel as intense as before. I think these are my ideas, although....

"Are you sad?" I asked him.

He just stood still watching me. Can it be that he understands me?

"What are you trying to do!? Do you think you can resist me!?"

Lavos raised the knife he used to summon it and pointed it at him. A glow on his neck seemed to hang him, as if it were shackles. He jerked in pain, his claws desperately trying to pull them off.

"Stop! You're hurting him!" Maria added.

"Stupid beast, I am your lord and master. You are what I need to achieve my goals, just stand still and do as I command!"

The dragon made an unexpected turn with its tail that gave me no time to react. It hit me and sent me flying, falling a few meters farther.

"Asriel!"

I lay there for a few seconds with my head buried in the ground.

"That's it, just a little more and the contract will be ready. With this addition to my squad there's no way anyone can stop me, not even him!" Lavos claimed victory.

"...I see, so that's the way it is" I whispered softly clutching the earth with my left hand. "You think you have the authority to dominate the rest, huh? You're not much different from other power-blinded guys"

I slowly stood up looking down at the poor monster subdued against his will. He's innocent in this matter, no different from the other Spiritist controlled by Victor in the capital. A guy like that getting carried away by his own stupidity deserves to have his eyes forcibly opened if necessary.

"You can still stand up, it's worthy of admiration. It's useless, though"

Completely ignoring what he was saying I turned to the imposing creature, staring at him.

"Hey dragon! You don't want to be tied to this guy anymore, do you?"

"What do you think you're doing? Stay quiet and let yourself be eaten to finish the ritual!"

"Asriel, what are you trying to do?" said Maria.

Who knows? I probably don't have a clear answer either. But this being in front of me is just a victim, and something tells me that I can save him from his fate.

I raise my fist pointing in his direction, as if to strike at the evil that surrounds him.

At the beginning of my adventure I was able to make a call for help to the unknown, and it answered me by granting me my katana. If I have the ability to perform it once again, then I would like my voice to reach his soul. To release those bonds and grant him freedom.

Within my palm the glow of a small stone seeps through my fingers for a few seconds, then disintegrates and joins me. Slowly my little finger is covered with a faint light.

The dragon's eyes despite being red as a sunset emanated a blue color in the deepest part.

Is it taking effect? There is only one way to find out.

"Shadow Dragon, you no longer have to obey that man's orders against your will. I free you!"

Stretching its wings the black figure rose above me. A connection surged from my little finger to the dragon's chest breaking the ethereal chains that seemed to bind him and force him to bend.

I can feel it, our hearts beating in unison. It's a strange sensation, yet I don't dislike it.