Chapter 6 The Reptilian Assault

Violet rode on Zorak's back as they soared through the stormy skies, wind and rain relentlessly battering the planet below. Zorak's massive wings beat against the raging gusts, weaving through lightning strikes with powerful agility. After a tense and turbulent flight, they finally reached the oasis and descended toward the cavern entrance.

Once she dismounted, Violet let out a long breath of relief. Yet her mind remained restless, weighed by the mission and the trials that lay ahead.

"I want to explore more," she said with determination. "We need to find other minerals on this planet."

Zorak and Elara immediately responded with concern.

"Violet," Zorak said, his voice low and serious, "the conditions on this planet are extremely dangerous. Apart from storms and volatile seas, you're also carrying quadruplets. The risks to you and your unborn children are far too great."

Elara added, "My analysis confirms that the environment outside this oasis is highly unstable. I strongly recommend that we remain here until the sixth month, when your children are due. We can prepare everything we need in the meantime."

Violet reflected on their words, realizing the truth behind them. As much as she wanted to continue the mineral search, she couldn't ignore the wellbeing of herself and her unborn children.

"You're right," she finally said. "We'll stay here until the babies are born."

She turned to Elara. "Elara, pilot our ship to this oasis. We'll build a better shelter here and begin preparations for the birth."

"Understood, Violet," Elara replied. "Redirecting the ship to the oasis coordinates."

Relief washed over Violet as they began their preparations. With Zorak and Elara by her side, she felt stronger ready to face whatever challenges came their way. As they waited for the ship to arrive, they began building a livable haven using the natural resources around the oasis.

Days passed, and Violet could feel the growing life within her. Though obstacles loomed, the presence of Zorak and Elara gave her the strength to keep going. Together, they created a safe and comfortable environment for the future ahead.

But peace was short-lived.

In the third month, their calm was shattered by an unexpected threat.

Zorak, dozing near the cave entrance, suddenly sensed something unusual. His eyes shot open. He could feel them reptilian trackers approaching. They had used a tracking device implanted in his neck to locate him. He leapt to his feet and immediately took off into the storm-filled sky.

Flying high above the oasis, Zorak hoped to draw the threat away from Violet. As he soared through the storm, his mind raced, calculating how to divert the enemy's attention.

Back in the oasis, Elara detected his sudden departure.

"Violet, Zorak has left the oasis. Reptilian signals are approaching our location."

Violet's heart pounded. "What should we do, Elara?"

"Remain calm," Elara replied. "Zorak is trying to protect us. But we must prepare in case they find this place."

Meanwhile, Zorak raced across the sky, dodging lightning and wind, eventually reaching a jagged mountain peak. There, he landed, awaiting the reptilian pursuit.

It didn't take long. A group of heavily armed reptilian soldiers arrived at the mountain, their leader stepping forward, eyes sharp and cold.

"Zorak," he hissed, "you've been gone far too long. We didn't expect you to mutate into a dragon. We've been ordered to bring you back dead or alive."

Zorak growled, wings flaring. "I won't return. I've found something more important here."

The reptilian leader grinned wickedly. "We brought an antidote for your mutation. Come with us, and you'll have your original form restored."

Zorak's eyes blazed. "I'd rather die like this than return to being your weapon."

The battle erupted instantly.

Zorak unleashed his full power, dodging attacks and striking with precision. But their numbers were overwhelming. With each passing moment, the fight grew more desperate.

Back in the oasis, Elara monitored everything.

"Zorak is under attack," she informed Violet. "We need to be ready if they discover us."

Violet clenched her fists, heart aching with worry. "He's protecting us... I must be ready too."

On the mountain peak, Zorak fought valiantly, taking down several enemies. Yet he was outnumbered. As a final move, he gathered all his strength, unleashing a fiery explosion that scattered the attackers.

It bought him enough time to escape. Wounded and weary, he flew back to the oasis.

When he landed, Violet rushed toward him.

"Zorak! You're hurt!"

"I bought us time," he said weakly. "They offered to 'cure' me… but I refused. We need to stay alert. They'll return."

Violet and Elara tended to Zorak's wounds. Though the threat hadn't passed, their bond grew stronger. Together, they were determined to survive.

But danger came again swift and merciless.

Five enemy aircraft tore through the storm, heading straight for the oasis. Elara, realizing the tracker was still active, quickly disabled it.

"Violet, I've shut down the tracking signal but they're already too close," Elara warned.

Zorak stood again despite his injuries. "We must prepare. They won't stop this time."

The five aircraft hovered over the oasis before merging into one massive Mecha five times larger than Zorak, exuding a terrifying mechanical presence.

"That thing… it's enormous," Violet whispered.

The Mecha began firing laser beams, blasting parts of the cave and shaking the earth. Zorak rose into the sky, shielding Violet with his body.

"Zorak, no! You're still wounded!" Violet cried, tears welling in her eyes.

Zorak roared back, fierce and defiant. "I won't let them harm you… or our children!"

Moved by his sacrifice, Violet felt a strange power stir within her. The rare minerals she'd consumed had awakened something deep inside. Her latent telekinetic powers surged with newfound strength.

She raised her hand, eyes glowing with energy. "Elara, scan my power levels."

"Violet, your energy has increased exponentially. Use it—now!"

Channeling her power, Violet summoned stones and debris, launching them at the Mecha with incredible force. The monster staggered under the attack but remained upright, its cannons firing back.

Zorak was struck again his wings torn, body crashing to the ground.

"ZORAK!" Violet screamed, fury burning in her soul.

The battle was far from over. But something inside Violet had awakened. And now… she was ready to fight.