[Get on your feet!]
Before Lance could even reply he was shoved to the floor by the dragon, who jumped backwards and crouched preparing to attack. Lance groaned, rolling away from the creature and stood to his feet watching the beast charge towards him, preparing to strike.
The beast slashed at him but Lance sidestepped the blow and swung his fist aiming for the beast's head but missed as it darted to the side dodging its attacks as the creature attacked him from every side.
Finally it appeared as it leaped at him, ready to pounce. With a loud scream Lance dodged it's attack, falling to the ground, sliding across the floor in pain. The animal screeched and reared, about to swipe it's claws at Lance but he rolled out of its reach avoiding the beasts claws. Once he was free the dragon rushed towards him but Lance stood to meet it head on, throwing his leg up kicking the dragon in the head sending it flying backward.
Lance fell forward catching himself, turning around. A roar shook the room as a large blast ripped through the room. The ground exploded, sending debris flying through the air. The blast threw Lance back, the force hitting him in the chest, slamming him painfully to the ground.
Everything hurt as he lay stunned and weak against the floor gasping heavily. Suddenly he heard footsteps coming towards him and he turned his head in fear. When the footsteps drew near and he caught a glimpse of familiar purple armor it immediately brought forth relief filling his veins as his lips curled upward slightly.
[Shiro, if you dare move an inch I will incinerate you]
"I wasn't going anywhere," Shiro replied casually.
The moment he spoke he noticed the look of fear crossing the boys face and instantly regretted his choice of words. The moment Lance saw that he had seen he let out a shaky sigh. Shiro couldn't help but notice he seemed to look paler than usual.
The dark circles beneath his eyes were darker and there was a dullness in his eyes. His clothes hung loosely from his body which only further confirmed Shiro's earlier assumption. Lance was exhausted. The only thing keeping him going was sheer willpower and determination but Shiro's concern over his health began to rise.
"Can you stand?" Shiro inquired.
Lance nodded hesitantly and pushed himself to his feet, using Shiro's arms as support. "Thanks, man," he muttered.
[punishment]
Zari appeared in front of both of them glaring at Shiro.
[You've caused enough trouble. Shiro, you 'll leave this place or I shall make sure you never return.]
She raised her hand and Shiro's jaw clenched tightly. He couldn't allow that to happen. Not to Lance.
"I'm not leaving without him," Shiro stated defiantly.
He was aware of Zari's annoyance and displeasure at being interrupted but he refused to let her take Lance away. For the sake of Lance and for his own protection. He would die protecting Lance and it wouldn't matter if he had to sacrifice himself, if he had to burn alive.
"Shiro." Lance whispered, looking up at him worriedly.
Shiro met his gaze and nodded slowly, trying not to focus on what she was saying to him.
[You're such a fool, boy.]
Zari sighed in annoyance and releasing her hand displaying powerful wings with flames forming underneath it, ready to burst out at any moment. She launched herself forward but Shiro had already thrown himself in front of Lance.
As soon as Shiro touched the ground a blinding light filled his vision forcing him to squeeze his eyes shut. Once the light receded he found himself lying flat on the ground. Lance lay unconscious beside him. A large crack spread across the floor where Shiro had been standing mere moments before. Slowly Shiro got to his feet, supporting himself against a nearby wall, trying to ignore the throbbing pain radiating through his whole body. Shiro took a slow step forward carefully watching Zari for signs of retaliation.
[Why do you continue to try and defy my order?]
Shiro swallowed thickly and opened his mouth to answer, before closing it again.
"I won't let you have him!" He breathed finally.
Zari frowned at the response and Shiro braced himself for another onslaught of attacks. Instead she merely gave him a bored look and flew upwards, disappearing in the darkness above him. Shiro let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.
coming from above she slammed back into the earth below sending up a shockwave that shook everything within a 10 metre radius.
[How do you wish to proceed?] Zari asked in a calm tone.
Shiro blinked several times attempting to clear the blurry image. After a few seconds he managed to get everything in focus to find Zari staring at him with a smug grin on her face.
She became ready to attack Shiro producing the same dragon that fell from Lance's earlier attack and released her deadly flames.
[For the glory of our master and all those who serve him! Kill!] Zari ordered.
At first nothing happened. Zari stared at the ground in confusion and her eyes glowed a dark violet color as she prepared to unleash the energy again.
Suddenly, a black streak shot straight through the air, slamming right into the back of her neck knocking her off balance and crashing back down on the ground. Zari stumbled before she fell on her knees letting out a low growl and glaring daggers at Shiro, who held his hands up in surrender.
A black sword glowing fell before Shiro who quickly caught it and held it tightly as it transformed in his hand. Zari stared in awe at her weapon before shaking her head.
"I am impressed," Zari said. "You have done well to obtain a weapon of your very own."
"Then I won't give up!" He swung the blade in a circle, slashing down towards Zari, but the creature simply raised her arm deflecting the blade.
"This power may be new but it holds no meaning if you cannot control it," she said. "If you don't listen and follow my rules you will be punished severely."