XVII. The Hunt
Drusus strode over the icy ground, gladius at his side.
"I don't get why you're so eager, it is unlikely that we come across any good prey," Leander whined.
"We have a job to do. We must do it diligently." Drusus replied.
"There won't be any excitement to be had any excitement to be had, they're probably already half frozen to death." He whined further.
"Then they might be thankful for our blades. A sword will pierce the heart quicker than the cold," Drusus stated.
"I'll never understand why you insist on being so quick about things. Ruins the fun. It's not like they're going to get away anyway. So it's best to enjoy the moment."
Drusus wished to turn his blade against the Leander, his constant instance of drawing things out for his twisted amusement. How could One's Institute ever let someone like him volunteer? Someone who is both cruel and impractical. Kill your prey quickly spare them suffering and the opportunity for them or friends they might have to strike back. Quick and simple, with no need for pointless theatrics.
"A wise warrior kills their enemy quickly so they cannot strike against you."
"Where you not listening dear Drusus, they don't have in them to strike back. That's what makes it-
"You'd better be fucking glad I have shoved this sword so far up your ass and stick out of my mouth!"
He wished now that he had gone hunting with Sagara. But he had insisted that would be Leander, so he could keep the little bastard where he could see him. Sagara had agreed with him. No doubt, so she wouldn't have to deal with little fucker. How Drusus envied her now having a quiet day guarding the camp.
"You wouldn't get that far, it's not long enough."
Drusus growled. It was something truly remarkable that someone else had done it already, no doubt everyone's thought of it. He has on multiple occasions. Unfortunately, it was generally frowned upon to impale one's allies. Perhaps even more unfortunately Leander was still very much his ally.
"Keep moving so we can skewer a popsicle since that's something you seem very eager to do, no matter how dull it may be," Leander said. "Though there is The Cannibal. I suppose tangling with him would be interesting."
The Cannibal.
Two simple words filled Drusus we pure and unrelenting fury. He had not wanted to believe at first. He hoped what Sagar had told him was but an exaggeration. Those hopes were shattered when had came across one of The Cannibal's victims first-hand. Pieces of flesh cut and out can carved, leaving nothing but a twisted mangled mess. Something that was not recognizable as human. Who had ever done such an act was a beast. Since Drusus had not seen even a hint of one of the Capitol's beasts it had the work a tribute. A tribute who had become a monster to be justly slaughtered.
"If we come across that beast, I'll kill it before you lay your filthy hands on it. My mercy will come in the form of a quick death, it could be glad for it, for it better than it deserves." Drusus roared.
"Take a moment to chill and then carry on.
Drusus glared venomously at Leander.
He whipped his head back and continued on his march onwards. The frozen terrain stretched out far beyond the horizon, empty save for ice and snow. The cold forever trying to claw its way, accompanied the biting and howling wind.
"Can't we go back and tell Sagara that we couldn't find anyone, your silent march forward is getting rather dull."
"Fine." Druses growled "If you want to go back you can do so alone. I, however, shall press forward to do my bloody damn duty!"
"Happily." Leander jeered. "But might continue doing my duty alone, I bet I can get a kill first and out duty you." He continued in a mocking tone.
"Go ahead!" Drusus spat.
Leander ran off eastwards.
Drusus pondered marching forth the opposite direction. He would be glad of the peace and quiet, it would allow him to properly regain focus. But there was telling on what cruelty he might unleash upon whoever was unfortunate to cross his path, so perhaps he should follow after him. Though if Leander were to discover him, which he likely would stealth had never been Drusus' speciality.
Drusus hissed in frustration.
If only he could have kept his composure…
A scream sliced through the wind.
He could not let Leander torture the poor soul. Drusus dashed eastward.
Leander stood over the terrified tribute.
"There goes your first leg." he sneered as sliced tendons of the tribute left ankle.
"Please, please just kill me," they begged. "Do you know what you have to do just, please, please make it quick."
"That' would be the most boring of shows." Leander taunted "And I'm sure the audience at home want to see some blood, after all the freezing!"
Drusus' rage once again surged within him. He gripped his hand ground the hilt of the sword tightly and dug his nails into his hand, so deeply and forceful that he began to draw blood.
"And now the second."
Drusus ran over and tackled Leander to the ground.
Leander roared. "You little…" He attempted to climb back on his feet but found that we slipped and stumbled on the ice. "You little intferering.."
Drusus plunged his sword into the tribute chest, piercing the heart.
A cannon sounded.
"You spoilsport." Leander spat
Drusus removed his blade from the tribute chest. "That is how you make a kill.".
"I know perfectly well how to kill."
"From what I observed it appears that you do not. Would like another demonstration." Drusus declared.
"You wouldn't dare. Turn on one of your allies."
"Who says I'm your ally? We parted ways remember ."
"You must understand Drusus I'm only giving them what they want, a good show. There no need for it to come to this… not so anyway."
"I'm sure they'll enjoy a fight between two trained careers."
Drusus readied his blade. "Though I am willing to give one final chance."
"And what are the terms of this chance."
"You give up torturing."
"Very well."
" And we go back to Sagara and tell her that we hunt as three of us until we put down The Cannibal."
"What if she doesn't agree."
"Then you must leave us."
"Fine."
Drusus lowered his blade. He hoped that he would regret this mercy.
