The Hunt - Dream Team + BBH

Chapter One: Sunrise

Since the day he'd been conceived, Clay had a purpose. He had a reason for existing, as gruesome as it could be considered. He'd been born to kill the Dragon, the malicious goddess of the End, and he planned to succeed.

His uncle had failed - the previous Champion - and Clay had been given his name in remembrance. His body had never been recovered, of course, but the spawn of the void continued to appear in the Overworld - a sure sign that he'd failed in his mission. Clay had no plans to continue that legacy though - it had been the duty of his family for nearly a century, and all those before him had failed.

No, he was going to finally write an ending to the story, to her story, and a new beginning for his own. He would save his people, his world, as he'd been raised too. And now the day was upon him - as soon as he'd bother to open his eyes.

The blond-haired male groaned as he noticed the light filtering in through his window, a bright, yellow tint apparent just past his closed eyelids. This was a big day, an exciting day, but if Clay was honest - he didn't want to get up. His bed was comfortable, his covers warm, and he knew that this was likely to be the last time he got a good nights rest for a long while.

He moved his right arm, draping it over his eyes in an attempt to block the light and keep it from disturbing him any further. The sun's rays weren't the only perpetrator that morning though... Clay could clearly hear footsteps in the hall past his door, coming ever closer. Within moments there was a knock, and Clay couldn't help but to emit an even louder groan, rolling over in his bed until he was practically being smothered by his pillow.

He heard a creaking as his door was opened, followed by more footsteps and a small hand on his shoulder, gently shaking him. The movement was almost hesitant, and the floorboards creaked as whoever it was seemed to shift back and forth anxiously.

"It um... It's time, Clay." His younger sister's voice was oddly quiet, but he could understand why - he knew perfectly why. He was supposed to have left already, even if he didn't want to. "The sun rose a little while ago. You'll have to sneak out the back."

Ah, the rules. He certainly hadn't forgotten them, but he thought they made no sense, they were useless and were the reason they'd lost so many Champions before him, he was sure. They were simple. First, the Champion had to leave by dawn. No one could see him leave - it had to be as though he'd never existed - until he'd come back with the dragon's head. It was better that way, allowed for less of a connection and ensured it was easier to grieve when he ended up never coming back. It gave him more time to collect resources too, before the night would fall and he'd be left alone, far from the safety of his village. It saved the villages resources too. After all, why waste iron on a dead man?

Clay forced himself up, letting out a sigh as he turned around and faced his only sibling. She was taller than him now, as he half-sat up on his bed, but he knew the moment he stood he'd dwarf her. She'd often threaten to kick him in the back of the knee, bring him down to her level, but her normal ferocity was gone. As much as Clay understood why, it didn't hurt any less. It was strange, seeing her so docile, and he quickly adjusted himself so he was facing her fully.

"Hey, hey." He began, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed, careful not to accidentally hit his sister. "It'll be okay. I'll be back before you know it, yeah?" He offered a half-hearted chuckle, but it hardly seemed to convince her, the girl's worried expression unchanging. Clay sighed again, standing up and offering her a small smirk as he looked down upon her. "Maybe you'll have grown a few more inches by then." Her expression changed at that, a scowl forming.

"You know what?" She crossed her arms, serious expression earning a laugh from Clay.

"What?"

"I don't know if I want you to come back." She stated plainly and Clay feigned a hurt expression, a small pout forming on his face, but he couldn't keep from laughing a little as he uttered a small, "ow, my feelings".