They continued on for another day and a half until they came to the base of the mountain. The mountain was covered in interesting rock structures, as well as what looked like a constructed road. Mary had never come this far before.

They rode up the road, until they came to a large stone arch. It seemed to be a natural feature, but the placement over the road was markedly eyed the rock with distrust, but couldn't recall any reason not to proceed forward. To her surprise, Sir Dante was the one to stop entirely and dismount to stare up at the arch.

"What is it?" Mary asked.

Sir Dante didn't answer at first until he finally said, "I may have praised you too highly."

Mary resisted a pout.

In a shout he called out, "I know I'm nice to look at, but it's rude to just stare!"

The valley was still. Mary searched the rocks and shadows of the cliff sides. Still, if Sir Dante thought there was something, he was the monster hunter with more experience.

"I'm sorry sir," one of the voices said. With a start, Mary realized it wasn't hiding in a crack or crevice- it blended into the rock. "It's just we've been trying to get things ready for our next guests. They usually come in packs."

"What do you mean?" Sir Dante called, "We should be the first to meet you in a month or so."

Another voice started from the otherside of the arch. "No sir, there were some who came this morning. We took them to our boss."

Huh, so that group had left without them.

"Excellent," Sir Dante said, "then you can take us to your boss too."

"Well, and I'm sorry to say this," said the second, "But we would have to knock you unconscious and take your weapons first."

"Unfortunate," Sir Dante said, "I'd rather have my wits about me. And my sword." He drew his sword to punctuate his point.

"Brother, why are humans always so rude," the first one asked, "and here we were going to invite him to dinner before taking him to the boss."

"So ungrateful," the second said, "still, it cannot be helped."

Sir Dante scoffed. "Why do I always have to deal with trolls," he muttered, glancing back to Mary he said, "keep your wits about you. These things can be tough."

Mary drew her spear and readied her horse. Why Sir Dante had dismounted she didn't know.

For how large the trolls were, well over seven feet tall, they moved incredibly fast. Dante met one with his sword, and Mary could only marvel at his incredible strength. The second attempted to attack him at the same time and Mary charged forward, spear lowered. She caught the troll in the shoulder, piercing its rocky flesh but not doing much damage. She yanked the spear free and wheeled away to avoid retaliation.

This drew the attention of the troll, who hurled a rock at her. She managed to block it with her shield, and prepare another attack. The head was a smaller target, but it was obvious the body was not a real option.

It saw her coming, and Mary put her all into it. It moved its head just in time, but not quick enough to avoid the deep cut in the side of its neck. It bled a terrible dark liquid that must be its blood.

Mary could only manage a smile before something hit the back of her head, and her vision went out like an extinguished candle.

…

Dante saw the lad fall off his horse and realized he needed to end this quickly. "Just like a kid to sleep through the second real battle," he scoffed. The boy had gotten the other one good. The one in front of him picked up his club again and swung. Dante ducked under it and sliced and sliced.

Soon enough the two trolls were little more than corpses. Dante could only relish in his victory for a moment before remembering his comrade.

He approached the lad, noting not for the first time he had a rather pretty face. Dante knew the struggles of having a face that could be construed as pretty as a youth, being underestimated was a big one. Of course, he didn't just have skill beyond what a youth would normally have, but abilities as well. As far as he could tell, this boy just had greater skill than more.

He noted that the boy was still breathing and had a strong heartbeat. He removed the helmet and gingerly felt the goose egg forming on the back of his head.

Dante didn't know the extent of the injuries and removed the tabard and mail to feel for any broken ribs or other internal damage, only to make a startling discovery. Not of an injury, but of breasts.

He looked at the lad's face again. No, not lad, this was a woman.

Interesting…

He placed the helmet and other articles in a saddle bag, deciding to carry the lady. Both of the horses, well trained, didn't need to be told to follow their riders. Dante decided they should keep moving as there was still a long way up the mountain and this lady seemed to be fine besides her head injury.

Not too long along the way, she started to stir in his arms. Her eyes, each a different color he realized, fluttered open and he couldn't help but comment, "Ah, sleeping beauty is awake. I was wondering if I'd have to try that magic kiss to wake you up. Shame."

Her eyes went wide and she tried to push him away. She was surprisingly strong, not just for a woman, but for a human in general. Still, he was stronger.

"What did you do?" she hissed, looking down at her lack of chain mail or heraldry. "Where's my armor?"

"I just saw you on the ground unconscious after the fight," he answered, "I only took it off to make sure you hadn't broken anything. It's with your horse."

Her horse neighed.

"Why are you carrying me?"

"We need to get up the mountain, right?" he asked rhetorically.

"Put me down."

So stubborn. He couldn't help but smile, and refuse. "We'll go faster if I just carry you," he said.

Without warning she slammed the heel of her hand into his chin, throwing his head back. While he was distracted, she rolled out of his arms and landed in a crouch.

Dante rubbed his chin, thinking if he were a normal man she might've cracked his jaw. "Some thanks I get for saving your life," he said. She came to her feet unsteadily. "Are you gonna fall off your horse?" he asked gruffly.

"I don't need your help," she said.

She was walking much too slowly. Without asking her permission, Dante lifted her onto her horse, remaining near so he could grab her should she try to slide off in another bout of dizziness.

She said nothing but must've found this solution acceptable.

"So you got nothing to say to me?" he asked. At her continued silence, he said, "I guess it's fine. God knows if I saved people to hear thanks I'd have stopped it a long time ago."

His words did nothing to guilt her. Were all women in this area so cold hearted?

"I don't know if I'm relieved you're not actually twelve, or ashamed I couldn't figure out you were a woman." When that did nothing to rouse her, he added, "Perhaps I should send you back."

"What right would you have to do that?" she snapped.

"I'm about to go slay a dragon and I don't want any liabilities, including stubborn girls who play at knighthood."

"If you found the dragon who killed your mother would you be able to stand aside?"

Dante thought about it. She clearly wasn't going to stay put unless he tied her up, but doing that might lose him a finger. He rolled it around his head. He didn't think Vergil would get… weird about a woman, he probably still hadn't gone through that part of growing up. He looked at her again… With her helmet and armor on it wasn't clear she was a woman, and so far she hadn't actively hindered him…

He wasn't about to hold her hand through it though.

"Well, when you put it like that, I guess the answer's clear…" he paused, then added, "But, you might find out something if you come with me. Something a pretty thing like yourself might not be able to handle."

She scoffed and tossed her short hair. "I'll be the judge of that."

…

As they made their way up the mountain, Mary grew more tempted with each word that Sir Dante spoke to push him down the side of it.

"Anyways, that's how I learned not to trust strange women in ponds handing out swords."

Mary glared.

"I can see you're tired of me talking about my many adventures and exploits," he continued, "so what about you?"

"What about me?"

"Like… what do you do at the castle"

Mary tried to ignore him, but he blustered on, "C'mon Lady, I'm trying to pass the time quicker. You know my whole sob story and I don't even know your name."

"How do you know I work in the castle?" she asked.

"You said you saw Vergil holed up in the library. I imagined you'd have to be a maid at least to be allowed in a castle's library." He paused. "Wait, you have armor… Could you be the daughter of one of Lord Arkham's knights? Are you his daughter's lady in waiting?"

She must've let some emotion show as he realized he had found the right direction.

"Okay, My Lady," he continued, "How does a noblewoman learn how to use a crossbow and spear?"

Mary sighed. "I used to sneak out when I was younger, learning from the squires. Once my mother saw my potential, she had private supplemental lessons. The lessons ended when she did, but by that point I knew enough to practice on my own."

"Well, it's paid off," he complimented. She didn't need his approval, but nodded all the same. He had never been condescending about her skills.

After a bit he started to ask, "about your mistress…" and then stopped talking.

"Just spit it out," she bit, "You want to ask about your prize?"

"I am curious about her, yes."

"So ask."

"How does she really feel about all of this?" he asked, "When I spoke with her she seemed pissed, but I couldn't tell with what exactly."

"This whole situation," Mary said, "That's what she was mad at. And your annoying attitude as well."

"Oh, so she spoke about me?" he asked, cocky grin returning. Lady cursed internally.

"Only to complain about a loud mouthed upstart knight who didn't know his place."

"What a way with words," he commented, "Guess she'll be thrilled to see me when I get back."

Mary thought about it. She didn't really want to get married to anyone, least of Sir Dnte, no matter how skilled or handsome he was. At the same time, some amount of pride was hurt he was so disinterested in her romantically. Mary tried to shake off the strange thoughts.

"You'd be the first," she muttered.

"So Lord Arkham had really just let how many men go and die for her?" Sir Dante asked.

"Too many," Mary said. "And yet they just keep coming. I don't understand it."

"Always forget how fragile humans are," he muttered, "Well, this'll all be over soon. Keep your helmet on. Dragons can get… weird about women."

"I know full well how dangerous they can be. And how can they tell? I certainly can't tell with them."

He laughed, "Yeah… how can they tell? Well, I think most of them rely on clothes. But some are smarter than others. And it's a… different sort of danger to specifically women…"

Mary was stuck between the questions of 'how' and 'why.' Sir Dante must've sensed the latter of the questions and explained. "They struggle sometimes to reproduce on their own."

"Like elves?"

Sir Dante snapped his fingers. "Yes! Very much so. I don't know why exactly, but there are a few reasons dragons get so weird about maidens. I don't think that should be an issue with this dragon… but better safe than sorry." He looked her up and down. "Right now the only obviously woman part of you is your face and voice, so don't say anything and we'll be fine."

Mary fought with herself about asking the former question she had until Sir Dante saw her confusion. "Yes?" he prompted.

"Well…" she continued, "Now that you mention it… how exactly would a dragon… erm… reproduce with a human. They're sort of large. Elves at least are people sized."

"Dragons can look like people," Sir Dante said.

"They can?" she asked, "Can they reason as well?"

"About the same as people," he said, "some would say better."

"Why bring this up?" Mary asked, shaking off the disgust at the idea of mating with such a creature. Elves could look as fair as angels, but there was always a tell. Mary could never be fooled. "This dragon wants my blood, not my womb. It has made that quite clear."

"One of them might…" Sir Dante said.

"One of them?" Mary asked, "You think there might be more than one?

"I'm just ready for anything," he said with a shrug. "Have you seen this dragon clearly?"

Mary thought about it. "Well, now that you say that, the one that killed my mother had dark grey scales… but the one I've seen burning villages recently had more of a bluish color. I assumed it was the lighting, but perhaps it was something else."

He nodded, as if her words made sense.

"But does that mean the dragon that killed my mother is still sleeping?" Mary asked.

"It could be. If it is sleeping, I'll leave that one to you. The blue one is the one I'm after."

"I thought you said you were looking for your brother," Mary pointed out, "Is the blue dragon the one that killed your mother?"

"No!" he said abruptly, and then much cooler added, "He and I just have some unfinished business is all. Did I not mention that?"

"You failed to mention anything about thinking there was another dragon until now," Mary said, wondering what else he was keeping from her. "How do you know so much about this anyways? All I could find were old legends, and it's hard to tell fact from fiction. Even your brother refused to answer my questions though he was the apparent dragon expert."

"That's Vergil for you," Sir Dante said, "He's a real fun guy. Did he ever hit you with the-" he made an overly dour face and spoke in a clipped monotone, "remove yourself from my presence, you're blocking my light."

Mary let out a giggle without meaning to. The impression was spot on. "Yes, exactly. I don't know how I didn't realize the two of you were related. You look identical."

"Being twins will do that," he said, "And holy hell lady, hold in your amusement when we get there because you have the prettiest laugh I've ever heard."

Mary felt her amusement fade. "Must you be so preoccupied with that?" she asked, "You said you don't wish to marry Lord Arkham's daughter, so I doubt there is any reason to show interest in me."

"Woah now, I'm just speaking out of concern for you," Sir Dante said, "Remember what I said? Sure that original dragon might not want anything to do with you besides your blood, but who knows about that blue one? Also, attention and interest are two different things. I would be more than willing to show your lady, or yourself, I might add, attention all night long. But I've got too much to do to stay here and rule this place."

Mary wrinkled her nose. "And that precisely is why you will receive none of my favor."

"And your liege lady's?"

"None of her's neither," Mary said definitively.

Sir Dante didn't seem heart broken by that. "I'll just leave with the money then." He smiled broadly. "My, this is all going to work out quite well for her, isn't it?"

"Yes," Mary answered, "I suppose it will."