Wildfire's Quest: Nekoryuuha, Hero, and anyone else.

[Daphnes]

OoC: My character is in my sig.

Wildfire had recovered from his fight with Nekatsuki, and his dragon Zoshonel had helped him get home. His clanmates had been worried because of his lateness, and were conscerned about his injuries. After a night of recovery, he went to the elder to speak of a powerful Kiwadoi whose body was inhabited by an ancient Dragon spirit.

The elder told him that if he sought greater power to defeat his enemy, he should go to the first Dragomancer Temple. a Temple that pays tribute to the first true bond between Human and Dragon, that rested in the center of the homeland of the first Dragomancer.

And so, he packed provisions and headed out, to find the ancient Temple and learn secrets about the history of Humans and Dragons. He also hoped to find friends along the way, for there was always strength in numbers.

Before he left, he was given a map outlying a path to take to the Temple. It was not a short, straightforward path, as the journey is just as important as the destination. Following the path through various terrains would enlighten him just as much as anything in the Temple Grounds.

The first leg of the journey was the Inari Desert. Wildfire stopped in a small, Dusty town and stood in the shade outside a bar. He didn't feel confident going into biuldings because of his natural aversion to closed in places, and that Humans weren't always hospitable towards non-Humans. However, he hoped to find a traveling companion for his journey somehow.

OoC: The desert is where things get started. This story is open to anyone. I don't know if I want to do the whole journey in one thread, as it's supposed to be a big one, or make multiple threads that represent different parts of the same general journey. Maybe the latter.

[jknill]

[F

ON THE QUEST I AM LEVEL 898 SO THERE
ONT="Lucida Console"][/font]

[Daphnes]

Originally Posted by jknill

[F

ON THE QUEST I AM LEVEL 898 SO THERE
ONT="Lucida Console"][/font]

Please do not spam up my thread. The BA is where we make characters and have battles/quests. If you don't have a character, you can't do anything here.

[nekoryuuha]

OoC: And with me, the first companion appears. Enter The Priestess of Ash and Flames.

Bic:

Even as Wildfire paused near the bar, two particular voices could be heard over the low din. It sounded much like a young girl and a grown man. The Bar quieted as the two ran back and forth before one nasty comment made the girl pause. "So...you dare call me, a priestess of Macha, such a name?" The question came calmly, but was dripping with Malice and silenced everyone nearby that had heard her. A red/orange light seemed to shine from the doorway and through the window, Wildfire could see a very young looking Neko-girl in gray robes befitting a priestess holding a soccer ball sized fireball in her hand pointed at the man that was arguing with her. "Now why don't you give me..." She thought for a moment. I'll be generous, just two reasons that I shouldn't turn you to ash right where you stand. Start talking."

The man began pouring out reasons, crying as he hoped to the gods that two would hit Haineko as important enough to spare him. Meanwhile, word that one of Macha's Priestess was in town was spreading through the town. Though Macha wasn't a evil deity, the ways many of her priestess acted lead many if not most Humans that didn't know the truth to believe she was. This quickly caused Humans to distrust, hate and even fear Macha and her Priestess. Watching the townsfolk beginning to plan a mob to drive her away, a small explosion from inside the bar grabbed his attention just before the flaming body flew past him and into the street. The townsfolk simply watched as Haineko slowly walked out of the bar, pausing only slightly to look at Wildfire before stepping into the street.

It was only then that people were putting Wildfire's appearance together with Haineko's, even if it was the wrong Idea. "That thing with her?" Came one question voice.

"Maybe her ally?"

"Nah, it's got to be Familiar!"

"But it's so big...maybe a summoned servant?"

This and more could be heard from the crowd as Haineko looked back at Wildfire. Before she seemed to only notice him for a non-human. After hearing there comments and really looking at him, she finally recognized him as a Dragomancer. As their gazes met she vanished, appearing just behind him to the left to the startlement of everyone else. "It would seem we are in the same boat weather you like it or not, Dragomancer," she spoke in a oddly mature voice, like she was older then her 14 year old appearance portrayed her to be. At the sight of where she was now, the crowd was once more in an uproar, but now for their blood. "I honestly don't want to wipe this town off the map. I hope you don't mind joining me," she said to him and launched a fireball into the dirt in front of them. the crowd surged forward only to find that no foot prints led from that spot. they were gone.

A distance from town, the two seemed to appear as if by the God's will. Haineko seemed unphased though Wildfire had to shake his head to clear it of the sudden effects of high-speed movement to a near sudden stop. "What was that?"Wildfire asked as Haineko began to walk past him.

"Shunpou. I'll tell no more of it," Haineko replied, glancing back at him.

"Fine, then who are you?"

"I am 'The Priestess of Ash and Flame' and the guarded of 'The Neko of Blades', Tsukineko." She turned completely to look at him. "My name is Haineko."

[Daphnes]

"My name is Wildfire." He said. Before he could say more, Zoshonel came flying in to land near them. He then pointedly strode between them, causing Haineko to step back and give room, before stopping at Wildfire's left side. "Sorry about my Dragon, Zoshonel. He doesn't like me to ride with just anyone."

"It's nice to meet you, Zoshonel." Haineko said. Zoshonel gave a small flap of his wings to acknowledge the Neko.

"I am on a quest to improve my skills, as I have witnessed a great threat to Humans and Dragons alike just recently." Wildfire didn't feel like mentioning the Kiwadoi to Haineko, as he wasn't sure if she could be trusted. Mecha was said to be evil by Humans, but he took the words of Humans with a grain of salt. Travelling with a Priestess could prove very informative.

"I've actually never met a priestess of Macha. The oft paranoid Human populace speaks unkindly towards your group, though for a species that supposedly survives only by intelligence they seem to have problems being unbiased. I'd be happy for some company, and you may possibly gain something from my quest as well."

"What would that be?"

"I am heading towards a Temple, in which are some secrets to Dragon Fire. Being fire aligned, you may find the information beneficial."

"It sounds interesting. I'd be happy to join, so long as your Dragon doesn't mind."

"Oh, he'll take a shine to you soon enough I'm sure."

The three walked off away from town, in good enough spirits thus far. However, the path Wildfire takes isn't meant to be a pleasant hike. Many hazards lie ahead, meant to separate the worthy from the unworthy.....

The three walked through the desert, until the village was well out of sight. Even though Wildfire was fire based, being under constant sun exposure wasn't entirely comfortable. His skin began to sweat a little, and he flapped his wings a bit to cool himself.

Over the dunes, noise could be heard. Haineko took notice first as Lizardmen came marching over. They seemed to already be aware of Wildfire and Haineko, as they didn't seem surprised when they saw them, and were already heading directly over there.

"You have entered Lizardman lands. Give us your valuabled or become food for our people!"

"Not a chance." Wildfire said as they were surrounded by hostiles.

OoC: Hero hasn't replied to my PM invite, so I don't know if he'll show. Best just move along, and hope he can catch up later. He's supposed to be gone for two weeks, and I don't know if he'll get any compy time in wherever he's at.

[nekoryuuha]

OoC: Good to go then. Hopefully, we can get some others in here too.

Bic:

Haineko began to walk forward and held out a hand to stop Wildfire from yelling to her. "I've got this one," she said before looking at the leader. "You there. I am Haineko, Priestess of Ash and Flame from the Xiao Region Temple of Macha. As I remember, we have a deal that Lizardmen and Lizafos aren't to bother traveling Priestess and in exchange we don't bother you."

"While we recognize you are a priestess, you do not wear the traditional Colors of Macha, Haineko," the Lizardman replied as he looked over the young-looking Haineko and sneered. "Not to mention The Priestess is said to be over a century old. You, a 14 year old girl, couldn't possible be her!" He laughed as he spoke before eying her again as she pulled open the top of her robe to show him something. Something that stopped his laughter and made his jaw drop in shock to reveal a lot of sharp teeth. He pulled out something and scanned both it and whatever she showed him as if he couldn't believe it.

"Finished?" Haineko asked curtly as the Lizardman put away what he'd pulled out and waved back his subordinates. "So, Now if I was to turn you to ash right now I'd be wrong, right?"

"No! It's my mistake, Priestess. We've gotten a lot of false Priestess and even some that tried to impersonate you since Priestess of Esata and Sera don't have agreements with us."

"Escata and even Seria have followers that travel out here. I see... Well then, I think You own me and my...companions...a service. Across the desert."

* * *

Before Wildfire could fully comprehend what had transpired, the two were riding across the desert on a large reptilian mount with Zoshonel gliding after them. "You know, you owe me for this."

"I'm still not even sure how this happened! Besides, what do I have that you would want?" After Wildfire finished speaking those words, Haineko gave him a look that made it seem as those she was looking into him rather than at him.

"Your Magic. I can feel the innate flames in you," she replied. "Show me them and teach me. That is want I want."

"You're already the Priestess of Ash and Flames. Why do you need my flames?"

Haineko chuckled as she leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. Because strength must be dynamic in order to be effective. You can help my flames to before more dynamic, as I can help your own become more fierce." She looked back at him now, a slight smile on her youthful face. "For I know how to unlock a flame-user's inner potential and hidden powers."

[Daphnes]

OoC: Wow, I got busy and nearly forgot about this.

BiC: As the Lizardmen brought them to a canyon pass on the other side of the desert, Wildfire thought about what Haineko said. He was glad to have met her, since this journey could help them both. Partly he was gald to have met a friendly Nekodemon, after his brutal fight with a hostile half-Nekodemon. This one was much more pleasant. Even Zoshonel was starting to get used to her presence.

The threesome said their thanks, and seperated from the Lizardmen as they left the sandy desert for the rocky pass. The high cliffs blocked most of the wind, so it was calm and quiet. A river once ran through the pass, as evidence showed on the walls, and there was still a trickle leading to the desert from somewhere ahead.

There were large holes in the cliffs, and sometimes Wildfire saw winged creatures moving around the outside. They looked to be nocturnal, and with darkness coming he wasn't sure what the creatures would do when it came time to feed.

[nekoryuuha]

OoC: Sorry. Been more then a bit busy.

BiC:

Moving through the canyon, Wildfire could help but wonder over the things he'd seen over his Journey, from Haineko, to the Lizardmen, and especially to what Haineko had told him. She wanted his flame techniques and in return, she could boost the power of his flames to a whole other level of strength. A level that could possibly even aid him against The Kiwadoi that nearly killed him, Nekatsuki. The only detail with that was in return, she wanted his flame attacks. And even though he was a bit skeptical that she could ever breathe flames, somehow, he couldn't put it past her. Slowly, the darkness descended into the canyon and the creatures high above became more active, some even beginning to swoop lower to have a look at the group.

"Bats," Haineko suddenly said, breaking the silence as she frowned. Wildfire looked at the next one coming to see the creatures resembled bat-like creatures big enough to carry off Wildfire or Haineko. "I can hear their high-pitched screams." Haineko seemed to read his mind as she answered his unspoken question. More and more of the creatures began to fill into the canyon as the darkness fell.

"Think they would attack us? Even with Zoshonel here?"

"It would only take one to swoop to trigger the other to try even with Zoshonel." Haineko smirked and shook her head. "In fact, I'd say that Zoshonel would probably look appetizing to a group this big," she finished as the first dove at them and hit the ground, arrow jutting through the top of it's mouth into it's skull. "And there's the one! Hadou 31! Shakahou!" The crimson ball of flame energy blasted from her outstretched palm into another one, immolating the beast as Zoshonel immolated another with his flame breath.

"If we don't get out of here, we're all gonna end up lunch!" Wildfire called out as he launched an Explosion Sphere to wipe out a small group of them.

"It's dark now. If we leave here before dealing with these things then we really be in trouble!" Haineko yelled back. The canyon walls limited and condensed the numbers but if they had the whole sky... There would be little hope. As she watched Wildfire's attack, her eyes lit up. Now she definitely wanted to learn his skills.

"Haineko! Behind you!" The warning came just seconds too late as a Bat monsters grabbed Haineko from behind and took off with her. "Haineko!!"

Shi-! Pulling her arms from her sleeves, she seemed to literally fall out of her robe, spinning in the air to point at the Monster. "Bakudou 61! Rikujokoro!" Six panel-like rods of light shot from her finger, hitting the creature around the midsection and paralyzed it's body in place. Haineko and the monster fell to the ground, Haineko landing on her feet while the monster landed on it's face and twitched, still paralyzed. Slowly, more were swarming now as Haineko dashed back to Wildfire and Zoshonel in her grey boots, shorts, and tube top, not bothering to get her robe or even bow.

"So that's what you showed the Lizardman," Wildfire remarked as he saw the intricate marking on her right collar bone that resembled a blooming rose with odd writing around it.

"Gawk later, for now, I have a plan and need your help." Haineko snapped back at him as the group turned back to killing the bat monsters. "I need Zoshonel to make the diversion for us." After seeing Wildfire's look, she she sighed. "I'm not running away. You've seen my Shunpou. If I wanted to get away, I could. No, he's just to buy time for the preparations."

"What is it you're trying to do that you need such a distraction?" Wildfire asked as he jumped and tore a monster apart with his claws that was then finished by a fireball from Haineko.

"I'm going to flash fry the very sky and every creature in it," Haineko replied, a fiery gleam in her ash grey eyes.

OoC: Sorry if it's not much to go on, but it's all I could finish as of now. Once you post, I'll make up for it best I can.

[Daphnes]

Wildfire gave Zoshonel an order to distract them, and he flew high to attack the larger or more agressive bat monsters. They were actually big enough to push the Dragon around, but he had a tough hide and fire breath. Meanwhile, Haineko began chanting and Wildfire covered her on the occassion that a bat flew past Zoshonel to attack one of them.

The monsters had claws on their wongs, and sometimes would land and crawl on the ground or scale the walls. There were at least thirty five in the canyon, but the darkness kept Wildfire from telling if there were more. To top it off, there cold be more in the tunnels. Escape wasn't really an option at this point, and the dragomancer hoped the Nekodemon had a killer move.

Three bats tried grabbing onto Zoshonel to pull him into a hole, but he used heat wave to get them off and shield himself. Wildfire used a combination of flame claws and fire blast to ward off the smallest ones that though he and his friend might be easier pickings.

Haineko looked like she was about ready to attack. Wildfire told Zoshonel to get out of the way, and a short silence came over the area as everything seemed to wait for the expected fireworks.

[nekoryuuha]

More...More...More!! Flame energy ran to Haineko's wrist as it condensed itself into what appeared to be a bracelet like form that floated around her slender wrist.

One look at her face and one could easily see that it must have taken immense power and control to execute this for the Priestess wasn't simply creating crystallized flame energy. No, that would have been simple. She was, in essence, creating an artifact of flame. An artifact so strong I might just take more then she had. Raising the Bracelet high over her head, her energy flared as she dumped it into the bracelet. Arm-like projections began to form from it as her face paled.

I...need more... Looking at her companions, her gaze was both angry and weak. "Wildfire! Your flame breath! Breath it at me! Every thing you've got!" The Dragomancer didn't think twice as her unleashed his breath weapon at Haineko to watch it pool around her almost like liquid that was quickly draining into the Bracelet. More and more the arms began to grow, but even with the help of Wildfire, it was too much. The Bats were beginning to get bolder even in the fierce light created by the Bracelet of Flames. The pool was 'drying up' and the arms were stopping their growth. "Zoshonel!!" Haineko cried out as she fought to keep the bracelet stable and growing. The young Dragon responded with a gout of flames only a dragon could manage. It covered Haineko and Wildfire almost had to wonder if even Haineko would come out of it alive. The flame were sucked within the Bracelet as Ten arms erupted from the bracelet's sides, each as long as Haineko was tall. "It's finished We've won! Flame...." All the world seemed to silence in anticipation. "Heart!!"

Dozens upon dozens of crimson energy beams blasted from the end of the Bracelet, the energy lighting up the area past blinding as each beam homed in on a target and immolated it completely. Wildfire and even Zoshonel fell back from her power as she released everything into an attack so powerful it was beyond a Finishing Strike. The trio would launch a combined Divine Assault. Haineko's triumphant yell could be heard above the roaring power as the last of it finished annihilating the giant bats. Slowly, the light faded as the power faded. A thunderous crack sounded, followed by a massive shattering as the Bracelet of Flames shattered, Haineko unable to sustain it. The Ash Cat herself was kneeling in what was now a small crater of burning rock, covering herself with her arms. Apparently, though she was completely fireproof, her undergarments were not, save her ash gray boots that she still wore. Her face and much of the rest of her skin was flushed red though it was hard to tell if Embarrassment was the source. "Haineko..."

"I don't ever want to hear your comments about my body. Yes, I'm build like a 12 year old!" She snapped back at him as she dashed toward a glowing spot. The Bat creature she paralyzed with her spell earlier still lay where it was with her Robes in it's talons. Prying open its clawed grasp, she quickly donned her Robes before finding her bow and Quiver nearby. She flush was beginning to fade as she walked back. It was a few seconds before Wildfire noticed her eyes were dulling at the same time and quickly caught hold of her as she felt into him. Her skin was cold to the touch and she shivered. "Too much...Overexertion syndrome..." She seemed ready to pass out as the Dragomancer held her up.

"Haineko! Say something to me here. Anything. Tell me Anything I should do."

"Rest...Warmth...the Sun...time..." It was all the Priestess managed before her world went quiet, dark, but man was it freezing.

[Daphnes]

OoC: That reminds me of an online game ad, where it shows a naked woman and asks "backfire, or best spell ever?"

BiC: While Wildfire was sure Haineko was unconscious he said, "That was one of the greatest things I've ever seen! Oh, and the spell was awesome too."

"Are you sure you're fifty?" Zoshonel said in dragon speech.

They came to a more open area of the canyon and gathered wood for a fire. Wildfire placed his friend on Zoshonel's back, as it was considerably warmer than the cold ground. They sat by the fire and took turns keeping watch, but nothing came to try to bother them. Apparently, bright lights and fire strong enough to make craters intimidated whatever might still be alive.

They rested until morning, and left Haineko to wake up on her own as they made their way out.

A salty sea breeze welcomed them to the other side of the canyon, and they soon found a port. Wildfire knew Zoshonel would expect to fly over, but this journey was meant to be hard. Past Dragomancers had come through here, so the Human locals weren't surprised by their presence.

They stopped to shop for some females clothes and more provisions before heading to the docks. There, Wildfire purchased a raft which Zoshonel eyed curiously and warily.

"You know we have to do this the hard way. A raft just big enough to hold us and what we're carrying. We'll be crossing this sea to get to a forest on the other side. Deep in this forest is the temple we seek."

They gently woke up Haineko then, as two paddlers would be required. Zoshonel found the center of the raft and curled into a ball.

[nekoryuuha]

OoC: Sorry, I've just been so busy. I'm still here and willing to continue.

Bic:

It didn't take very much to wake the nearly conscious Priestess. At Wildfire's touch, her eyes flared open and she'd had a knife in hand though from where was anyone's guess. Her eyes met Wildfire's and she stopped as she realized it was only him. The smell of salt water registered now and took a moment to look around as her sleeve covered her hand and knife. "Uhh, Haineko...Where did you pull that knife from?" Her asked her carefully as Zoshonel looked at the two with one eye.

"Hmm? What knife?" She responded as she rubbed her eyes with her now empty hand. A snort from Zoshonel could be heard as he turned his head a bit to cover up his dragonic smirk. "Anyway, where are we? And why are we surrounded by ocean?" She asked rather weakly. It was an odd sound to heard from her as she didn't even sound this weak just hours before when she'd used everything she had, with their help, to launch that Divine Assault she'd called 'Flame Heart'. This was a new weakness that could compel a man to want to protect her.

"Nevermind. Say, Haineko. What's wrong? You sound really weak." As the words left his mouth, the look she gave him made him feel stupid for asking, but at the same time he could see she was a little happy he noticed at least. It was easy to tell the Neko hated bearing her weaknesses even though she had plenty a reason to be weak.

The Priestess was silent a moment before speaking. "I'm a fire-innate. Not just a Flame mage or flame-user. If I'm surrounded by fire my strength increases and conversely..."

"If you're surround by water you weaken," Wildfire finished as he looked around at the open ocean the group now floated over. "And with this much water you probably can't-"

"I wouldn't finish that statement if I were you," Haineko cut in, though she confirmed it as little more then hot air formed in her palm as she tried to make a simple fireball. "And so why are we in the ocean on a paddle boat without so much as a sail?"

"Ahh, right. We purchased the boat to sail across to a forest. Deep within the forest is the temple I told you of earlier." As Haineko seemed to take his answer and opened her mouth to ask another, Zoshonel saved him as he lifted the parcel of clothing to the Ash Cat. "Oh, and we also brought you some replacement clothing seeing as the Bracelet thing wiped out most of yours. Sorry if it's not usable. We didn't know your size."

"..." As she looked through the items, she chose not to speak at first as she chose two articles and pulled them inside her robe before re-wrapping the rest to worry about later. After a moment she nodded. "Nice fit. You were pretty close, it seems."

"Wait, when did you..." At her smile, he shook his head head and dropped the subject, another snort of laughter from the curled up Zoshonel. "Anyway, could help me with the rowing, Haineko?"

"I figured as much...Since the faster we cross, the faster I get away from this water, I'll try to help. Though I wouldn't count on too much speed from this side," She replied as she moved next to the oar. The Boat would finally get under way.

[Daphnes]

Things went fairly smoothly until they saw the island in the distance. It was their destination, but soon storm clouds gathered from that direction.

"Even the weather itself means to slow us down?" Wildfire asked as the wind and waves picked up.

Zoshonel had to flap his wings to help them keep the forward pace, and they all braced against the waves as they came. One giant wave built up and looked like it would drown them all, but Wildfire took flight and launched an explosive blast that cut it in half.

They found a protruding rock and made for it so they could rest.

"If all this is really some magical barrier instead of a normal storm, I doubt it will let up until we make it!" Haineko yelled over the noise.

"It's too late to start flying! We'll just have to start rowing again once we rest!"

So they sat, sheltered by the stone, waiting until they were ready and hoping things didn't get worse.