Chapter 78 - Red Menace [4]

Even though Prime had given the order, he was actually expecting a fight. So, when he saw the dragon, which was nearly three times his size, back down at a simple command, Prime felt deeply confused. The last time he had used the Living Abyss, it wasn't really him controlling it.

Therefore, Prime didn't know if he could control whatever came out of there. However, contrary to his initial expectations, the monster seemed entirely focused on Prime. If Prime had to describe what he was feeling at that moment, it would be like a small puppy eagerly awaiting its master's next commands. The only difference is that this "puppy" was a dragon nearly 15 feet tall.

(Is he really obeying us?) Sara questioned mentally to Prime.

Prime didn't have a definitive answer to that question. However, he felt a certain connection with the dragon before him. In fact, Prime clearly realized the bond between them. It was as if, somehow, Prime was responsible for the existence of that dragon. Instead of emerging from the living abyss as if the dragon had been there for a long time, the truth was that Prime had created it.

And it's more correct to say that Prime created it, actually, even that assumption would be incorrect. Although small and weak, Prime realized that was not the true body of the dragon. In fact, it barely demonstrated 10% of its total power. Prime felt that what was before him was only a small fraction of the true being.

Now, the doubt echoing in Prime's mind was where exactly the true body of the dragon was. Unfortunately, he wouldn't have time to ponder on that. While these thoughts filled his mind, another cloud of dust emerged a short distance from where Prime and the dragon were.

"Where did all this dust come from!" exclaimed one of the guards who was behind Prime, while raising his hand to shield his eyes.

Prime wasn't interested in the police officers' conversation; in fact, he couldn't be, as something had completely captured his attention at the moment. The same happened with the dragon, which seemed to go on alert in the face of the new development.

"You really have an impressive power... fought toe-to-toe with the Hulk and still can summon these monsters. It's a shame you're on the wrong side, son. But instead of killing you, I'll capture you. Your powers will be useful for the American army" said the Red Hulk as he approached Prime and Sara.

His skin was red, but not in a common way. To Prime's eyes, it seemed to be glowing, and indeed that's what was happening: the cars around, as the Red Hulk passed, were consumed by intense flames, melting until they became almost unrecognizable.

"You're completely insane. I can't recall anything that justifies this obsession with me. Also, you should cool it down a bit, you could end up burning yourself, you know?" Prime replied.

"That probably won't be possible. I'm going to take you back with me for experiments. Hope you like prison food because that's where you're headed" replied the Red Hulk.

Prime was determined to avoid a fight in that delicate situation. Although he didn't know the true identity of the opponent, everything indicated that he had ties to the army and a peculiar obsession with Prime's powers. However, the proximity of his daughters made any confrontation extremely risky; Prime couldn't allow them to be put in danger.

But what would be the viable alternative for Prime? Although the dragon seemed like an imposing force, its ability to contain the Red Hulk seemed limited. Prime needed a quick solution, and it was at that moment that Sara's words captured his attention.

(Prime, calm down, remember you're not alone, right? As you said yourself, the dragon doesn't seem capable of holding him off for long enough. Let's fight him while the dragon takes Annie and Ema home. I believe we can take him on without any issues. This time, let's go all out) Sara commented in Prime's mind.

Listening to Sara's words, Prime began to clear his mind. She was right: he wasn't alone. Together, they formed a unified mind and one body. As the saying goes, two minds are better than one.

"You're right" Prime replied.

(Has there ever been a time when I haven't been?) Sara replied.

Prime could clearly visualize Sara smiling as she said this. However, even though he wished to prolong the conversation, it wasn't the right time. Prime had other matters to attend to. So, he redirected his attention to the enemy before him.

(Go to a safe place with Annie and Ema, and make sure to protect them until we meet up with you) Sara said mentally to the dragon.

There was no audible sound in the environment, but the dragon seemed to have caught something, as its ears moved in response. Then, the dragon turned and approached Annie and Ema.

As it approached both of them, the dragon passed by the two policemen, its eyes clearly showing the desire to tear them apart, restrained only by its master's orders.

Both Ema and Annie didn't feel frightened by the dragon's arrival, after all, they knew that monster was there to protect them. Of course, that didn't change the fact that the monster was quite scary from their perspective, but if they looked at it from another angle, it seemed like a giant, protective dog. Although Ema had always dreamed of having a dog, she had to admit that this was quite different from what she had initially imagined.

(He really obeyed me. That's pretty cool, like I'm the boss) Sara commented in Prime's mind, enthusiastically.

The policemen watched in astonishment as the dragon cradled the two little girls on its neck, treating them with the utmost care, as if they were made of glass about to shatter. Their fixed gazes on the scene, devoid of reaction, reflected surprise and awe at this unexpected sight. Not even the one who had shot at Prime moments ago managed to gather the courage to act the same way in front of the dragon.

"You two better get away from here. I have no intention of protecting you, especially after taking a bullet" Prime said, keeping his gaze firm on the red Hulk.

The guards exchanged glances for a moment before hastily getting up and running away, leaving only Prime and the red Hulk as the only ones remaining at that location. Prime's perception indicated that the number of humans on the bridge was rapidly decreasing.

(Probably the work of our spider friend) Sara commented in Prime's mind, continuing her thoughts.

Anyway, this meant that they both had the green light to act without restrictions. Of course, both Sara and Prime felt a pang of sorrow for the people who would face months of work to repair the damage, but Prime pledged to compensate them by offering financial support to the construction company in charge of rebuilding the bridge.

"Are you finished yet? I don't know why the hell that dragon took those kids, but they seem to have some kind of connection to you. When I'm done with you, I'll take them too" he said.

Upon hearing this, both Prime and Sara were overcome by a single feeling: anger. Could this man be capable of such cruelty against children? This realization only heightened their determination; they were determined to confront him right there.

"You talk too much"

Prime and Sara said in unison. Their hands soon transformed into heavy spheres that fell to the ground with a thud, crushing him. Upon seeing this, the red Hulk also got ready. Although Prime could feel the heat radiating from the red Hulk's body, he chose to ignore it for now. They didn't have much information about the enemy, but the same could be said of the adversary.