Fire and steel.

Under the pungent smell of sweat and chemicals, diluted as it was by the falling rain, this human reeked of it. It was a very familiar smell to the beast staring across at the hunter from slitted, amber eyes. 

The monster’s name was Fenn, and a few others had come before this one, seeking to slay him – as all valiant warriors were to slay dangerous beasts that appeared within their domain, he supposed. In his experience, battle required little to no justification. So far, all who found him had met their end at the demon’s claws.

Their fragility was shameful, but what more could be expected of vermin?

His mind had not been changed on first seeing the two men. Neither looked particularly remarkable to the large beast, towering well over the hunters even when prowling on all fours, but this unimpressive appearance seemed to be a staple of humanity as a whole. Fenn had attempted to avoid them, not caring for another disappointing opponent.

When they managed to catch his trail, then chased and forced him into a confrontation, however, his interest was piqued.

He was of a mind to test them. 

The younger of the two – something that became immediately apparent the moment he opened his mouth – had approached him and tried to settle matters peacefully. The naiveté was astounding. Had they truly wished for a peaceful solution, they should have known better than to seek him out. The demon hoped the one blow he had delivered to the whelp adequately conveyed his thoughts on the matter. This was the first time he felt he could enjoy himself in this world, and he would not be robbed of the opportunity.

The one smelling of conflict taunted him. Fenn bared his fangs, his mane flaring into a blaze with a sizzling sound. From between the links of chain enveloping arms like tree trunks, licks of flame peeked out. Slitted eyes followed the human’s movement, while keen ears listened for any hint of interruptions, or of the other hunter getting up.

Woefully unaware of his rightful place, was this one. Unlike the boy, however, this one had remained at a prudent distance, far enough that Fenn could not simply swat him aside. It meant little. The distance could be closed in a single bound. Still, he matched the human’s pacing, the wet scales that covered most of his body reflecting the fire dancing along his extremities.

“Terrified.” The voice was coarse and cavernous, more of a growl than a word, but the irony was clear to anyone listening. “I have been sorely disillusioned by your companion. I fear you will be just as disappointing.”

The demon stopped, his pacing having brought him near some of the plaza’s benches. With an ease that spoke to the beast’s strength, he reached for the closest one and tore it out of the concrete before throwing it towards the hunter. Fenn launched himself after it with a roar, ready to crush the man under a ton of muscle, claws and fangs.