The midnight wind swept fiercely through Noona's small office. The shadowy wings she had seen moments ago appeared again—but this time, larger, stronger, resonating with a fierce power.
"This is… a black dragon hatchling?" Noona's heart raced as the monitor light reflected off its glossy black scales.
Suddenly, a shadowy creature resembling a demon surged from the corner of the room, flying straight at the hatchling.
The hatchling narrowed its eyes, spread its claws and wings, and let out a small, cerulean flame. A roaring sound echoed as the shadow demon was thrown back.
Noona's eyes widened. "What on earth is happening…"
The wind grew stronger. Pantawan appeared from the darkness on the loft, watching the hatchling with a gaze filled with something unspoken.
Suddenly, Pantawan's memories returned.
A small boy standing amid a burning village—family and villagers under attack by demons. He watched his parents pushed to the ground, shadowy wings surrounding him. Yet a voice spoke in his mind: "Use your power. Do not fear."
"I'll protect it… just as someone once protected me…" Pantawan whispered.
The hatchling charged. The shadow demons circled in. Pantawan tugged at its small arm. A strange power united them. The hatchling unleashed flames, striking the demons, breaking them into tiny shadows before they vanished.
Noona and Pantawan panted. For a moment, the world was silent except for their own breaths.
"The hatchling… it has chosen you," Pantawan said softly.
The sound of black wings echoed through the office. Noona's eyes widened. Suddenly, the shadow of wings dissolved into a small dragon, shiny and black, stretching its wings and letting out a low roar.
"You must be ready… the first battle has come," the voice echoed in Noona's mind. Her hands grew cold, but her heart raced faster than ever before.
Suddenly, a shadow from the corner lunged in, taking the form of a spiked demon. Its claws aimed for the black dragon. Noona couldn't just stand by. She grabbed a nearby lamp and swung at the demon. The clash resounded loudly.
"Ta-Wan… I remember now!" she shouted, as memories of young Ta-Wan flooded back.
Flashback – Young Ta-Wan
Ta-Wan sat in the backyard garden. The wind rustled the leaves. She looked up at the sky and saw the shadow of massive black wings across the clouds. Her parents stood beside her.
"Remember, Ta-Wan… Whenever you are afraid, the dragon in your heart will protect you," her father said, voice firm.
Noona suddenly felt courage return. The black dragon in the office charged at the demon with full force. The demon was pushed back, retreating, as roars and dark flames filled the room.
Finally, the little black dragon collapsed but still breathed. Noona's heart raced, her fear fading. She realized… this was only the beginning of their bond and the true battle ahead.