Dragons

The progression of a dragon hunter's excuses...until they become raw enough to be the deepest truth. A bit of an extended parallel/metaphor to real life. Try to read it backwards.

Why I Hunt Dragons

I load my crossbows, fighting against the magnitude of the high winds. I wait, watching below as streaks of majestic purples and deep reds twist around the cloud line. The air is thin, but I'm much accustomed. Finally, a dash of purple breaks above the ring, scattering fluffy precipitation slightly. The golden sunlight catches scales, and the gleam brings me to my feet. It soars just enough above the clouds for a clean shot. I plant my feet with force, clenching my teeth as I raise out an arm to aim. Beside me, a couple others my age, with similar gear, scramble to do the same. My heart pounds as I focus, butterflies tickle my belly at the beautiful and confident pattern of my target's flight. My fingers numb, tense, then release. A smattering of metal arrows follow mine, whirring through the air. I watch. The dragon banks tightly, then falls with a wail. I squint as it begins to lose air. Sure enough, I see the gleam of a golden arrow in its right flank. I grin. My hit.

My name is Casey; age 17. My arm is a steady one, my dad always said, and I hunt dragons for fun.

My brother gave me my crossbows. They attach directly to each forearm, and are very useful for scoping and smooth shots. I tried them out on the mountains, and made my first kill briskly, surprising my brother. He said I have skill. It was quite an encouragement. My friends soon acquired their own gear, and soon it was our pastime. The mountains in the morning, occasionally the forest. We'd explore, learn, and enjoy the energy of the hunt. I personally began to love it. It became my choice of free time.  

My name is Casey; age 17. The thrill of high mountain cliffs is intoxicating, and I hunt dragons because I want to.

It's exciting to be that one, the one to look in a dragon's eyes at a close encounter, when dusk is peeking out. The mist shadows it's face, but it's intense eyes pierce the grey of the forest. It's a silent moment. The forest is the most difficult place to hunt, but my favourite. You have to watch your step, follow the wind, hold your breath. The dragons sleep soundly in the deep woods; usually alone. The kill is always face to face, though. They awaken quickly. I stand there, still for a moment, before raising my hand to my crossbows cautiously. The dragon scans me, moving defensively in reaction. The dance begins. It considers my steps and moves accordingly. I have to use not threatening posture so it won't attack. We wind through the trees, the dragon's blood red tail scraping bark off of gnarled cedars. It's eyes locked to mine, I know I have to be quick and careful with my actions. It poses defensive, but dragons are unpredictable. I grow closer, my heart pounding as I can smell it's aura of rainy scent. Every dragon is different. One step wrong and I'm gone. No back up, either. It's more difficult alone, just how I like it. One on one. A real fight, a real waltz in silence and pure apprehension. One of us will die. I'm determined it won't be me.

My name is Casey; age 17. I have a wild glow to my green eyes, and I hunt dragons for the challenge.

I lunge. The dragon bares its teeth, slashing through the trees with its tail. No where to fly. I avoid a wild hiss of heat just barely, my heart jumping into my throat. My willpower sustains my gait, though. I won't let the dragon win. I release an arrow into its scales, watching it dig deeply into its neck. Not yet dead, just echoing wails. I can get closer now. I want it to have an honourable death, though what's honourable about killing? I have to end it though. I chose to fight it. I chose because I know I can do it. I have the upper hand, and dragons terrorize the town, so I'm allowed to kill them. But I chose to anyway. I stuff another arrow straight through the dragon's scales on its flank, now near enough to touch it. I let it fall, willing it down. It's breaths stagger, then leave. Silence deadlier than before. I reach out to touch its cold red scales that could engulf my hand, slowly removing my arrows. I keep my dirty palm pressed to its body. I did this, on my own. I feel like I could take on the world. It feels good to defeat something. I feel powerful, and I like it. It reassures me about the order of the world.

My name is Casey; age 17. I bite my lip too hard sometimes, and I hunt dragons to exert control.

It's not just one or two; dragon hunting is my hobby. More like a lifestyle. I feel compelled to hunt the creatures, as beautiful as they are. I feel like it gives me purpose. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't. I like seeing my success over such large and dangerous animals. I feel in control, with all doubt gone. Maybe it's my doubt that drives me. My life is so hazy sometimes, and in the areas it is, I hate it. It's uncertain; confusing. I tend to panic, not knowing what will happen, not understanding. But death. Death is certain. And my hands do the work, so I don't have to worry about possibilities or reliance. I don't trust my life when I can't control it. It scares me that I can't.

My dad died in a dragon fight. He feared the dragon, and fell. I don't want to let myself fear the dragon. I don't want to die. So I push away fear and rely on myself and not on circumstance. I'm afraid if I don't, I'll end up like him. Dragons are ferocious and cruel; they make my heart beat wildly. Then I realise that I'm fearing fear, and I work to end that and shove fear out completely. I need to overcome that fear. So I take control, because I'm afraid of life without it.

My name is Casey; age 17. My soul is in constant fluctuation, and I hunt dragons

Out

Of

Fear.

Author's Note

How is the layout, both visually and progression-wise?

Reviews

[BL]

You are keeping it very current/now by re-stating your name, I like this keep it up, I am already worrying about the main character

[Richard]

This was really cute :)
how have you ever hunted a dragon personally?

[Grace]

Wow, good question...in all honesty, I think it's a daily confidence battle haha. You?

[Richard]

ha oh ... but like all dragons they can be beaten :)
No i haven't slayed a dragon yet

[Richard]

but dragons are like people I imagine ... some would breathe fire at you
and maybe some would light your cigarette

[Grace]

Now that's a lovely quote.
I just wouldn't want to be around one that had allergies.

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed the story and I like the lay-out and the progression. I like the repetition leading to the logical ending. Fear is a powerful and wise tool. Know your enemy and their weaknesses. Thank you for sharing the excellent story.
Coyote