Madness: DxD

Dragon Hunt

Legend: Stop whining. Snow isn't going to get easier because you complain.

Riser (teeth chattering): You've got to be insane. No sane person hunts a dragon in this weather.

Legend: Don't remember ever being sane.

You never were. But that's why I love you. Only I can handle you when the world freezes over.

I spotted a huge claw mark on the ice beneath the snow. Big dragon.

Legend: Fresh tracks. Remember, scar across the belly. We shouldn't kill peaceful dragons.

You're merciful even when you shouldn't be. One day, that'll get you killed. And I'll be right here, whispering in your ear when it does.

Riser (pale): It's... enormous.

Legend: What'd you picture? A goose with wings?

Riser (glowering): I didn't picture this.

Legend: None of us did. That's why it's fun.

Fun? No... you fight because you can't stop yourself. You belong to the hunt, and the hunt belongs to me.

Wind howls, snow whipping at our faces.

Legend: Storm's picking up. We should set up camp.

Riser: Finally. Something sensible.

Rest, but don't forget I'll never leave you. Not in the cold, not in the dark, not even when the fire dies.

We trudge toward a dark cave in the cliffside. I obviously enter first. Don't hear no beast inside or see any markings. This'll do.

Legend: Clear. Drop your royal luggage.

Riser collapses against the wall, sulking. I spark a fire.

Riser: How'd you start the fire?

Legend: With skill.

He's too tired to ask more questions. Instead he warms his hands over the fire.

Riser (quiet, bitter): You enjoy this, don't you? Making me crawl through snow, chasing a monster, humiliating me all over again.

Legend: If I wanted to humiliate you, I'd have brought an audience.

You don't need anyone else. You've got me. I'll adore you till the end of time.

Riser (scowling): My mother thinks highly of you. I don't see why.

Legend: Because I don't whine every third step.

He clenched his fist, flames flickering faintly. No point in reacting. He wouldn't dare.

Riser: You flirt with her. Constantly.

Legend: Because she laughs. Try it. Might loosen the ice in your chest.

She's not laughing with you. They never do. They'll leave. I won't.

Outside, wind rumbles louder, snow scraping at the cave entrance.

Riser: What was that?

Legend: Storm. Or dragon. If it were the dragon, you'd be dinner already. Relax.

He's trembling. You're steady. Like always.

Riser: How do you plan to kill it? With that sword?

Legend: Aim for the scar. Scar tissue doesn't heal strong. Hit it right, and he's done for.