Taming The Hunter

Across the realms, you're known as the dreaded shape-shifting dragon, the target of relentless assassination attempts by various kingdoms. Humanity's ineffectiveness in ending your existence only cements your power.

Unfazed, a nearby kingdom's prince named Isaac Atwood swaggered onto the scene, his arrogance evident. He believed he could vanquish you single-handedly, sword pointed.

''I'll give you two options, surrender and become my pet or die.''

Dragon Hunter sneered at the boy, "So what? I'll find him eventually. And if not, there are plenty of other dragons to hunt. Being a dragon hunter is what I do best." He then turned his attention back to the cave and yelled out, "Come out, dragon! I won't wait forever!"

"I don't need you to tell me what to do," Dragon Hunter snapped back at the boy, his eyes narrowing as he approached him gradually. "I know what I'm doing. And if I find out you're lying to me, I won't be so kind."

Dragon Hunter scoffed at the boy's warning. "I've heard that before. But it doesn't scare me. I'm not afraid of any dragon. In fact, I'll be the one to slay him and earn myself a fortune."

Dragon Hunter bristled at the boy's words. "It's not about whether a dragon is a threat or not. It's about the thrill of the hunt and the glory of the kill. And if I happen to make a fortune while I'm at it, all the better."

Dragon Hunter snarled at the boy's comparison. "A dragon is nothing like a chicken or rabbit," he growled. "And as for your questions, I'll hunt whatever I please. And right now, I please to hunt dragons, non-violent or not. It's none of your business what I do."

Dragon Hunter fumed at the boy's words. "Do you think you're clever, little boy?" he sneered. "What would you know about hunting dragons? Do you even know what a true hunt is like?"

Dragon Hunter snorted at the boy's words. "Is that so?" he said dismissively. "Well, hunting for sport is a way of life for me. And I won't change my ways just because some little "huntsman" told me otherwise. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a dragon to hunt." With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, eager to continue his hunt.

Dragon Hunter gave Kai a sideways look. "My name is Dragon Hunter," he said coldly. "I don't need to give out my real name to the likes of you."

Dragon Hunter glared at Kai. "I don't care about the people around here," he growled. "All I care about is hunting dragons and earning my fortune. And nothing will stop me from getting what I want, least of all some over-protective dragon."

Dragon Hunter's expression became dark and sinister. "You think you know me, boy?" he hissed. "You know nothing of who I am or what I stand for. And as for my kingdom, they mean nothing to me. I'm only interested in my own personal gain."

Dragon Hunter spun around to face Kai, his eyes gleaming with fury. "What do you know about life?" he spat. "I've been through more than you can imagine. And I'm not about to let some little kid lecture me on what's right and wrong."

Dragon Hunter bristled at Kai's words. "I don't need anyone to care for me," he growled. "I'm self-reliant and independent. And I don't give a damn about what others think of me or my actions."

Dragon Hunter snorted in derision. "My people are not my responsibility," he replied coldly. "I'm only concerned with my own needs and wants. And as for wealth and status, they bring me power and influence. With those things, I can do whatever I damn well please."

Dragon Hunter's face twisted with anger at Kai's taunt. "I don't need your help to find my dragon," he hissed. "I'll capture him eventually, and then I'll be the most successful dragon hunter in all the land."

Dragon Hunter glared at Kai. "Of course I know what dragon I'm hunting," he spat. "I'm hunting the White Dragon, the most prized possession of all dragons in this region. And when I catch him, I'll become the most renowned hunter in the kingdom."

Dragon Hunter scowled at Kai's continued questioning. "What does it matter what the White Dragon is?" he growled. "All that matters is that he's the biggest and most dangerous dragon in these parts. And when I catch him, I'll be known as the greatest hunter in all the land.”

Dragon Hunter scoffed. "I have no need to learn from a dragon," he snarled. "They're just beasts to be captured or killed. And as for the White Dragon being their prince, that means nothing to me. He's still nothing but a trophy to me, a prize to catch and display to show my own prowess."

Dragon Hunter sneered at Kai's insinuations. "I'm nothing like the humans who caused the Catastrophe," he spat. "I'm not some bloodthirsty warrior aimlessly slaughtering everything in my path. I have clear goals and I know what I want. And if that means catching the White Dragon, then so be it."

Dragon Hunter listened with interest as Kai told his story about the Guardians. He had never heard of such creatures before, and he found himself intrigued by their power and connection to humans. However, his interest quickly turned to anger when Kai mentioned the exodus of the Guardians and the actions of the greedy humans.

"So what? Are you trying to guilt-trip me now?" he snarled. "I didn't cause that catastrophe, and I don't care about your stupid stories. All I care about is catching the White Dragon, and nothing's going to stop me from doing that."

Dragon Hunter scowled at Kai, feeling insulted by his words but knowing deep down that they could be true. "I know what I want," he said through gritted teeth. "And I won't let anyone get in my way, not even you or your precious White Dragon."

Dragon Hunter's expression turned from anger to confusion as Kai began laughing. "What are you talking about?" he demanded. "I'm not a thief, and I never claimed to be able to kill the White Dragon. I just intend to capture him."

Dragon Hunter became increasingly uneasy as Kai's eyes began to glow. He could sense the immense power emanating from him and it sent shivers down his spine. "I'll do what I have to do," he growled, trying to sound confident but failing miserably. "And if that means killing the White Dragon, then so be it. But I'm not giving up until I've captured him or killed him."

Dragon Hunter backed away slowly, fear etched on his face as Kai's eyes continued to glow. "I-I don't know," he stammered. "But I'll figure it out. I'm not afraid of you or the White Dragon."

Dragon Hunter was taken aback and shocked to hear that Kai is the White Dragon he's been seeking. The realization that he'd been conversing with his target puts him on edge as he quickly tries to regain his footing.

"I- I thought the White Dragon was your friend or something, trying to protect you from people like me," he stuttered. "I didn't realize it was you all along."

As a flash of memory flooded through his mind of Reikou’s backstory and the way he stood up for what was right, Dragon Hunter felt a pang of guilt inside him. Could he really be so desensitized to the world around him that he would give no thought to the lives of others? He looks into the glowing eyes of the White Dragon before him, feeling a sense of awe and fear at the same time.

"I- I want to change," Dragon Hunter spoke finally, his head lowering to the ground as he dropped his weapon.

Rei's voice was gentle yet firm, emphasizing the importance of treating all creatures with respect and dignity. Dragon Hunter listened intently, feeling a sense of shame wash over him for his previous actions.

"I understand," he said quietly, lifting his head and meeting Rei's gaze. "I will change my ways and try to make amends for what I've done. Thank you for showing me the error of my ways."

Ethaniel reached out and took the golden jewel, feeling a surge of warmth and power as it connected with him. His heart swelled with emotion, suddenly aware of Rei's presence in his mind and spirit.

"Thank you, Rei," he murmured, gaze not leaving the dragon's face. "I promise to be a better person and to do my best to help those around me."

Ethaniel nodded, a sense of deep gratitude and respect filling his heart for Rei. "I understand," he said softly, "and I will honor that bond for the rest of my life. Thank you for choosing me, Rei. Or, not choosing me but not running from me I suppose."

With a final nod and a smile, Rei slowly began to transform back into his dragon form, lowering his head for the other to get on, before taking off into the sky with the young prince, the dragon’s scales shimmering in the light of the setting sun. Ethaniel looked up at the clouds around them in awe, feeling both humbled and empowered by this new found freedom and companionship. From that day forward, he would live his life as a force for good, guided by the wisdom and strength of Reikou, the White Dragon.