The Heart of Kiyohime | IC

[Saber]

Noken Sato - Kyo Mountain Range
​

The Kyo Mountain Range was a spectacular sight. Snow peaked mountains brushed past wispy clouds against a blue sky and the slopes were littered with evergreen trees. Normally this sight would be enjoyable, recreational even, if Sato hadn't been spending most of her time camping on a cliff watching a dragon. Currently she was sitting in a tall tree scanning the peak of the Kane Mountain. Supposedly there was a dragon that lived up there named Kiyohime, and recently the Emperor had put a bounty on the dragon's heart based on a rumor that it could grant immortality. There was actually a lot of rumors about the heart of Kiyohime. It could grant wishes, it could cure any disease or curse, and even grant a vast fortune.

None of these rumors Sato believed of course, since she had been watching the mountain for almost a week now and hadn't seen a trace of a dragon. At this point she wasn't even sure it existed, though today, there was a group of people headed up the trail towards the peak. The woman sighed as she rested her elbow on a branch and cradled her chin in her hand. So far this seemed pretty boring, but maybe not today with the sheer number of people carrying torches and armed to the teeth. If there was a dragon up there, it was up for a rough encounter.

Sato stretched her arms before jumping down from the tree and headed towards the campsite where her travel companion was waiting. "There's a large group heading up the mountain as we speak." The mercenary reported as she sat down on a stump and tossed a log on the small fire. "Guess we will find out if a dragon really is up there or not." It's not that she didn't believe in dragons in general, she'd seen several in her life. Most burning down villages, thought most had been hunted to near extinction. But Kiyohime was supposed to be one of the most vicious, and the largest in the land. Hence how she'd survived for so long, or so she'd heard. "So what's the plan? Let them beat the dragon up a bit and then swoop in for the killing blow?" Golden eyes glanced at the brunette woman with a small smirk.

@Sailor Moon
@The Perfect Cadence
@Justin The Mad King
@Takumi
@IceQueen
@RiddL
@Dunruffle ​

 

[envogue]

Kokoro Ota
Kyo Mountain Range

Kokoro sat on a large rock positioned conveniently near the campfire, her legs tucked comfortably underneath her. In her lap was a small bowl of green tea, which she'd brewed in attempt to get some sort of reading on the dragon that called Kane Mountain it's home. It was rumored to be a fierce beast, with extraordinary powers that would cause many to seek it out. Unfortunately all who ventured into the dragon's lair never lived to tell the tell, and so Kiyohime was quite the mystery to all.

The mystery of Kiyohime would soon be solved, though. Kokoro had devised a plan with Sato to strike it when it was weak, after everyone was standing on their last leg and would be easiest to take down. It wasn't the most honorable thing that they could have done, but the power of Kiyohime's heart and the prospect of being Empress was too much to pass up.

"There's a large group heading up the mountain as we speak." The mercenary reported as she sat down on a stump and tossed a log on the small fire. "Guess we will find out if a dragon really is up there or not.

Kokoro sighed and set her tea down beside her, before standing up on top of the rock. She looked down at Sato, her eyebrows lifting gently as her travel companion relayed what she'd seen. Kokoro turned towards Kane mountain and used her hand to block out the sun. From where she was standing she couldn't see any humans, but the outlines of their auras and the energy that lie dormant within the mountain was difficult to ignore. "I'm sure she's up there. There's no doubt about that."

Kokoro picked up her tea and climbed down from the rock, making her last step with a gentle hop. "It may be wise to head there now." She said, dumping the tea off to the side. When she started to walk away, a sharp pain shot through her eyes, and visions of white hot lightning and iridescent scales filled her mind. There were screams, so real that Kokoro would have been driven mad, if this had been the first time she had experienced them. She knew what was happening though, and braced herself on the boulder that she had previously been resting on.

The vision lasted seconds, but in the mind of Kokoro it felt like hours. She could finally open her eyes, and they no longer felt like they were being stabbed by daggers. "I saw her." Kokoro's chest swelled as she inhaled shakily. What she saw should have caused her to turn away, but the desire for more was what kept her going. She opened her fan and waved it gently around her face, more of a soothing gesture than anything. "We're going to have to be careful, Sato. She's more than any of us ever expected, and we may lose our lives up there." Kokoro paused for a second, seeming to process that fact.

"Even still, I'm willing to try." Kokoro said, standing up straight and offering a faint smile. "It's the only way."​

 

[RiddL]

Shimatzu stood far back from the groups, observing what they were doing and hoping to catch sight of the Dragon and the abilities it possessed, if he was going to honor his contract he was going to have to be smart about it.

He stood cloaked, his massive figure completely covered by black cloth, his sword sheathed against his back. He moved slowly, from point to point, hoping that he wouldn't be spotted by some of the larger groups. He continuously scanned from left to right, spotting other a group of teenagers as well as a group of women in men's clothing.

'Even the weak and the women come to try to claim the Heart' he thought with something close to disgust as he climbed up further.

He walked down a narrow path and came upon a man who seemed to have found a lone woman and was forcing himself on her, his hand clamped over her mouth as his other loosened his pants.

The rapist sensed something behind him and turned, finding a giant black garbed hand shoot out and wrap itself around his throat, his feet suddenly off the ground as he was lifted up off the ground.

Shimatzu looked down at the woman and merely said "Run" as he tightened his hold on the mans throat. Needing no other motivation, the young woman ran past Shimatzu and fled off the mountain, no longer wanting to try and stake a claim as empress.

When the woman was out of sight Shimatzu looked at the man and smiled, dropping him to the ground and kicking him with all the force of his legs and hips in the groin, causing his manhood and testicles to pop from the force of the blow.

The man screamed through his injured throat and grabbed himself in pain, Shimatzu took no pity and took a dagger from his victims belt, unsheathing it and holding it to the mans eyes.

"I can't stand vermin like you, who take advantage like this, if it had of been a fight I wouldn't have cared less but filth like yourself must be cleansed" he said as he slowly eased the dagger into the mans stomach. "This will be no clean death, you will die slowly and in pain, as is befitting" he said getting up to his feet.

He placed his foot on the dying mans chest and stepped over him, all his weight driving what little air he had out of his lungs in a cloud of red mist. But Shimatzu didn't care, he'd had his fun and he still had a contract to finish.

 

[Dunruffle]

Brutus Armano
​

Brutus stood at the base of the mountain looking up at the peak. It was a beautiful sight of nature, but it was slightly tainted knowing a deadly and fearsome beast resided inside. Brutus was clothed in his simple grey monk robes, his feet covered with thick leather sandals. On his back, his large pack held his camping gear along with his old gladiator armor. For some reason, Brutus held onto his armor for all this time. His reasoning was that it was to remind him of his past and prevent him from giving into anger. In truth, a part of him relished the feeling of combat. The feeling of blood pumping through his veins as he waited for his enemy to make a fatal mistake. His holy mace given to him by the elders of the order rested on his hip. The last piece of his gear was his massive double headed battleaxe, it was wrapped in cloth the obscure the true form of the weapon. It was held in place by a strap on his back. He rarely used the weapon, for not many opponents were strong enough to warrant its use.

Starting up the trail, Brutus encountered a pair of adventurous men armed with simple iron swords. Speaking to them, Brutus learned they were from a nearby village and intent on claiming the dragon heart for fame and glory. Brutus tried to reason with them and explain that a dragon would not be harmed by simple iron weapons, but the men would not be swayed. Sighing, Brutus chanted a prayer of protection for the men and waved as they charged up the mountain.

 

[IceQueen]

Chika Yamanashi-Kyoto Mountain Range​

"Fuck, why is climbing so hard!"

It had felt like ages since Chika had started up the mountain and the top didn't feel any closer. It was the second mountain she had climbed that day. She was really sick of this stupid mountain range but she couldn't leave an inch untouched. If she was going to reclaim her honor she had to be thorough about it.

"I just wish I could burn this god damn forest to the ground." Chika grumbled as she leaned a hand against a nearby tree. Her chest heaved as she stopped for a little bit. She had been walking for hours without break and her legs were almost ready to collapse. Sitting herself against the three the young adventurer searched behind her for the pack of supplies she had brought with her. There was a sack of water hanging from the bag. Chika grasped the sack and popped the top, chugging from the bottle with greed. She hadn't had to run yet but her legs still hurt. She would have to keep going until she found a good place to rest.

Chika tucked away the bottle and pushed herself from the tree. At this point she had been using her weapon as a walking stick. It was easier than trying to unclasp the thing in case of danger, besides it didn't hurt to have a little help. There was probably others on the Kyoto Mountain range but Chika hadn't seen a single one so far. Then again she had also been bush whacking her way up the entire mountain.

"All right, back to torture. Honor here we come." Chika mumbled as she started back up the mountain towards its peak.

 

[Takumi]

Shouta, after being chased out of a tavern and village along the base of one of the mountain ranges after playing a rather amusing prank on the owner, shifted out of his fox form, the form helping him get up some of the brush and rough trails of the mountain in what felt like the past hour or so. Deciding not to take the more used trails, due to hearing what sounded like a group of humans in the distance making their way up the mountain. He wondered why so many were up there, but then the only logical reason came to him

The dragon, Kiyohime. Almost as if reminded, and with his interest peeked tenfold, Shouta moved more swiftly though in a bit of a leisurely pace, not in too much of a rush. Black tipped white tail swaying behind him, the Kitsune wondered if he'd be able to play a few more pranks before the day was over? Or, perhaps, he could see some blood here and there! Staff in hand he chuckled at the thought. It was rather amusing.

What lengths would these humans go to? For him, as long as his family was safe and sound is all that mattered. He was getting an adventure full of sights, sounds, blood, and more. The thought of being emporer was amusing, but he doubted it was something he'd care too much for and if one asked him what he'd do as emporer? He'd probably respond with helping his family live much more comfortably where no humans can dare to harm them.

Snapped out of his thoughts as he nearly tripped over a protruding root the Kitsune gave a small gasp before giving the root a small glare he turnwd swiftly and kept making his way up, up, up and hopefully out of sight of any nearby humans.

 

[The Perfect Cadence]

Hermione Dorchester-Kyo Mountain Range "The Warriors Entrance"
​

Situated on top of the cave that gave entrance to the heart of the mountain, just a little way behind the top of the entrance where rock gave away to soil again, There was your sniper, quietly tucked away in her foxhole, Hermione sat there, still, not moving a muscle, her eyes blinked only every 20 seconds. A collection of twigs and branches covered her positions, concealing her presence to even the most observant eye. Tightly stuffed and tied, in another smaller hole also covered by foliage, was a canvas sac wrapped in wet cloth containing 25 kilograms of a the most lethal mixture known to mankind, "Black Powder".

Hermione had been sitting here for the past few days, having gone ahead of the main pack of hopeful dragon slayers by moving up the mountain in both day and night. She'd only recently recovered from the exhausting hike but it was well worth the hassle. Now she saw the first big pack of individuals marching towards the cave entrance, bearing whatever arms they could muster for themselves for this dangerous quest. From what Hermione could see with her sharp vision, this wave, the tip of the spear consisted mostly of mercenaries varying in sizes and baring various marks of excellence earned from their previous quarrels.

"Well this would be cool to watch" Hermione thought to herself as she slowly placed a raw coffee bean into her mouth. "But its an amateurish and likely fatal approach to a dragon..."

She silently chewed on the bitter pebble, breaking off pieces bit by bit with her strong teeth. Upon breakage, a disgusting, bitter taste would envelope her mouth. Bitter and cruel, but a wise investment. This awful sensation quickly made Hermione look alive in preparation of the exhausting carnage that was soon to happen before her. A veteran of a previous dragon slaying expedition back in Europe 5 years ago, Hermione had some valuable experience in her hands. Experience gained through bloodshed and a close call. A story best told another time.

As to tradition before any battle, Hermione pulled out her rosary and wrapped its chain around her right fingers and pressed it against her chest and administered a prayer.

"During this terrible day, Thou hast been kind enough to protect me. I make haste to thank Thee, but I am thinking all the time of the many who have fallen, my officers and my comrades. May they receive from Thee all the rewards, the peace, and the rest that are reserved for brave men who did their best. Give their unhappy families, please, the consolation of believing in Thy mercy and love." She touched her rosary with her lips. "Amen"

She immediately went into battle mode following that. Arming her crossbow was short and simple with a strong pull backwards and the locking in of the bolt, now she was armed and deadly. The shot was not meant for the dragon, it was futile to shoot at it albeit it would likely give her position away. It was meant, for any straggler who decide to sway off course just a little bit too much and enter within her uncomfortable range.​

 

[Saber]

Noken Sato - Kyo Mountain Range
@Sailor Moon
​

Sato was poking at the fire as she watched Kokoro go into a blank stare. She'd witnessed the girl enter this state before, it only lasted moments to her, but to Kokoro she wasn't sure how long it felt. Either way, after the shorter girl had mentioned that she'd seen the dragon, it made Sato pay closer attention. If Kokoro had seen the dragon in her vision, that meant it did actually exist. This would definitely makes things more interesting. Sato chuckled softly before rolling her shoulders before glancing at Kokoro and smirking.

"Be careful?" The dark haired women raised an eyebrow before moving towards Kokoro and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Do you suddenly care about my well being, Koko?" Sato grinned as she pulled the brunette closer before winking at her. "I wasn't aware you would acquire feelings after we met in that tavern." The swordswoman laughed before standing up straight and grabbing her nodachi before resting it on her shoulder, turning to face the mountain where the group was still climbing. She wondered what sort of challenge walked among those people. Sato was always itching for a good fight. The harder, the better. A warrior could never get better unless faced with challenges to overcome.

The mercenary glanced back at her companion with the same confident grin as before. "I hope that dragon puts up a good fight, it'd be a shame if it's slain easily" Sato inhaled deeply, taking in the fresh mountain air before addressing the young woman again. "I'm ready whenever you are, Koko." ​

 

[envogue]

Kokoro Ota - Mountains

"I wasn't aware you would acquire feelings after we met in that tavern."


The light teasing from Sato was a welcome change after Kokoro's vision, but she could have easily done without the nickname, and the arm resting around her shoulders. They weren't pals, despite what had gone on in the tavern that night. "Yes. Then maybe you know something I don't." Kokoro said, giving a stern look to her travel companion. She turned and rolled her shoulders, loosening up as she prepared herself for the trek up the mountain. Along the way, they were bound to see things, but what intrigued her the most was the dragon, Kiyohime.

Kokoro led Sato up a path that, in her opinion, would have the least amount of traffic. She wanted to avoid most of the travelers, as she was instantly weary of the many men that would no doubt be making their way up to Kiyohime's nest. While Kokoro had come equipped for battle, the last thing she wanted to do was get her hands dirty before it was time. She needed to save energy for what truly mattered. As they came up to a small gap with an uprooted tree connecting one mountain to another Kokoro had an idea.

"Let's go this way." Kokoro suggested, waving her hand over to the tree. The makeshift bridge did look unsteady, but if they moved quickly and carefully, then it would be fine. Kokoro hadn't seen anything about her death recently, so she assumed it would be mostly safe. The wood of her sandal had only lifted inches off the ground, when a thunderous roar filled the air, seeming to shake the earth.

Back on Kane mountain, a brave adventurer made his way up to the peak where Kiyohime lay nestled in her cave. From where he stood, he could see quartz and crystals glistening within the dark. Dragons were said to hoard treasures, ranging from jewels and gems to magical artifacts. It was all so close to him, and the dragon, Kiyohime had to be much deeper in the cave. More treasures than the emperor himself... He thought, as he crouched to the ground and slowly made his way over to the cave's entrance. With this, I wouldn't need to be emperor.

The treasure called his name, and he imagined being able to provide for his family without risking his life or spilling any blood. He swallowed thickly, beads of sweat forming along his forehead as he moved into the cave. He was within reach, concealed by the darkness. Some of the treasure glowed, providing a faint aura of light where they were tucked. The man searched for something that looked to be valuable, but not too heavy.

Carefully he moved through the treasures, his eyes now set on some sort of ivory staff sticking out of a mound of glistening, iridescent jewels. It was probably the most beautiful thing he'd seen, and he knew that someone would be willing to take it off of his hands. Perhaps, if he told the story about how he'd come to have it then he could charge even more. Just the thought put a smile on his face, and he continued to carefully maneuver about, until he was within arms reach of the staff.

The man glanced around, almost paranoid that the dragon would emerge from the depths of the mountain and devour him. There was no sight of it, thankfully. He reached up and wrapped his hands around the staff, tugging it gently, at first. When it didn't budge, he pulled even harder, with all of his strength. The cave suddenly began to groan, causing his heart to nearly jump through his throat.

The jewels and treasures seemed to sink into the ground, and the staff that the man had been tugging began to move, almost growing in length when the treasures began to tumble down into the massive hole in the ground. There was a deep huff from below, and the man looked down to see giant almond shaped orbs staring up at him in confusion. The confusion didn't last long as the purpley blues filled with rage and the dragon known as Kiyohime lifted her head as tall as she could without hitting the cave.

Kiyohime released a roar so loud that the surrounding areas would feel like they'd been hit by some sort of earthquake. The man was still hanging by the antler, but he refused to let go. Kiyohime lifted her long neck and shook all the way down to her eel like body. There was another loud roar, but without the earth shaking powers as the first. Now that Kiyohime was awake, she could hear and smell the people nearest the peak.

The dragon soon emerged from the cave, the man hanging on by the antlers as Kiyohime led him up into the sky for all to see. She whipped around in one smooth motion, flinging the intruder from her back and onto the ground. Her mouth swelled suddenly, and sparks of lavender lightning danced around her lips. She stared down at the man, her eyes glowing faintly before releasing the storm of lightning onto the general area.
​

 

[Dunruffle]

Brutus was trudging his way up the mountain when he heard and felt the earth shaking roar. Increasing his pace, he crested the rise in time to see a large group attack the dragon. Several fired a volley of arrows as others wielding swords and axes rushed in. The arrows simply bounced off the dragon, causing her to glare at the archers and vaporize them with a blast of lightning. Looking down at the group of men ineffectively slashing at her legs, she proceeded to stomp them into a bloody paste, causing the survivors to flee in terror. Kiyohime snatched up a fleeing man in her jaws and with a crunch tossed the lower half of his body towards the fleeing men almost like an insult.

Watching the failed attack from behind a boulder, Brutus pondered his predicament. The scales on Kiyohime seemed almost impenetrable, but maybe the scales on her belly were softer. Unwrapping his battleaxe, Brutus began to formulate a plan. If he could sneak around behind the dragon, he might be able to get under her and attack her soft belly. Looking around, he saw a different group of mercenaries preparing to attack. Brutus bided his time, waiting for the opportunity to flank the dragon without it noticing.

 

[IceQueen]

Chika Yamanashi-Kyoto Mountain Range​

Kaboom

"Well double shit." Chika mumbled as she continued up the mountain. There was a scary looking thunder storm coming from not far up ahead. Chika hadn't been going for much longer but the storm was growing. Considering she heard a distant roar as well she must have been extra close to the top, and her prize.

"Great. Now lets get going and hope I don't have to kill anyone for that heart." Chika mumbled as she started trudging up the stairs towards the top of the mountain. It didn't take long to hear the chaos, let alone smell it. The air reeked of charcoal and blood. Holding her halberd at the ready Chika continued off to the side, approaching the edge of a clearing near a cave. Protruding from such a cave was the massive head of a dragon who had purple flames seeping from her scaly lips. A brute looking man stood behind a rock not to far away. He didn't look like he was going to murder anyone else so she crouched and walked up to settle behind the same rock. "Heya stranger. Notice anything?" Chika said, only loud enough for him to barely hear over the noise of stomping dragon feet.
@Dunruffle

 

[Takumi]

Shouta made his way further up, stopping as he noticed a shadow making it's was across the ground after the ground shook and a roar pierced the air. He ducked low, watching as a man was thrown off of Kiyohime and to the ground below.

Red eyes watched as lightning crackled in her jaws and fell, watching carefully as humans were crushed and fled, one being bitten in half. The Kitsune didn't so much as bat an eye as he stayed along the brush of the surrounding forest. Ears perked and alert, he bided his time as he studied her movements and thought of what to do attackwise when the time came.

He did see some movement by a boulder, but payed it no mind for now. His tail moved lightly behind him out of excitement, the smell of blood in the air as well as seeing the dragon in person.

 

[The Perfect Cadence]

Deepest apologies for not posting yet but school work suddenly creeped up behind my back and under the radar. I'm afraid I won't be able to post this round so you all can go on without me for this round.