Dragon's Disciple (Quest, Izumi)

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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After a few rings I hear her voice pick up on the other side. It is light and airy, seemingly a contrast to the dark and still surrounding about me at the moment. Due to the trauma of the dream, I had totally forgot about various things such as “time” and “consideration.” Something like this could easily be viewed as a “booty call”: a guy calls his hot secretary in the middle of the night… a short drive and hot sex follows. Keeping the rational aside and knowing that she would know that I wouldn’t call for that type of thing without at least having sex normally once, I answer the cheerful voice that greeted me. Instead of beating around the bush, I figured to just come out and say what was going through my mind, be it organized or no. I answer, “it wants me to go… rather… I feel like I should go to the forest because something is there…” After saying it, I was totally sure that what I said probably made no sense and only partially made sense in the context of which I was using it. I had the important parts being “something” and “forest.”

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Current: 200
Total: 1241

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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With the almost patronizing tone, I recourse my words and clarify, “that came out wrong.” I did find, however, that her perceptiveness was on point as normal, as she correctly assumed whatever I was talking about had something to do with a dream. I continue, “I’m under the impression that something is trying to speak to me and it wants me to go to the forest. I’m sure whatever it is may be beneficial… I just have a feeling that it may be. I thought it was only a dream, but when I awoken, there was a warm sensation in my chest that is hard to explain. I’m going to go investigate this feeling, thus the reason why I called my personal forest guide... though I had not thought about whether you were already sleep or not before I called. I hope I did not disturb you.” The idle hand that had rested previously on my chest rises to wipe the side of my temple, pulling back black stands of hair before they fall back into place. The muscles in my leg tense as my feet press down and I come into a standing position next to my bed in my boxers with the intentions of getting dressed.

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Current: 208
Total: 1449

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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Luckily, it does not seem as if she is opposed to the idea of being my forest guide and she did not seem to think I was crazy; that would make things easier on me. With thanks, I answer, “yes. I’m going to get dressed and head for the edge of the city. Meet me at the place we re entered the city after defeating the earth worm monster and we shall go from here.” There is a short pause for an affirmation and before ending the call, I my tone softens as I say, “…and thank you, Izumi,” shortly hanging up there after. The phone is placed onto my bed and my gaze lifts to the closet. It was time to get suited up and ready for a venture into the forests.

It takes me a few moments to get dressed and gather my things with the last two being my cell phone and keys, before I exit the apartment. I proceed through my complex, to the parking lot, my car and with it, I enter onto the city streets heading to the place described where I would meet with Izumi. After driving for some time, I come to the area and park my black sedan beneath the overpass of the large high way that loops around the city’s border. The parking brake is initialized and I open my door, stepping out to see if Izumi had made it there before me, of if I would be awaiting her presence.

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Current: 251
Total: 1700

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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In the ten minutes it takes for Izumi to arrive to the scene, I walk about a bit and ascertain that she had not arrived yet before moving back to my car and leaning my back against it. My hands slide into the pockets of my large coat as I look down, thinking a bit about what I was about to do. The feeling in my chest was still there; enough for me not to believe I was crazy. I might have been a bit crazy for dragging my secretary along with me for something like this, however. It wasn’t like she was my partner or anything, yet it was an odd working relationship we held. The time passes rather quickly as I notice headlights approach and the tilt of my head rises to look upon the compact sports car that pulls up next to me. As she walks to the back and grabs her stick sword thing, I press off of the car slightly and look to her returning, “hello.” She looked well for getting up and going somewhere in the middle of the night in her set up. Approaching her with my hands still in my pockets, I explain, “I’m certain I know which direction to go…” One hand comes out and touches my chest as I continue, “I have kind of like a soul GPS at the moment that’s telling me to go…” My gaze turns as I look towards the forest and confirm, “that way.” Turning back, I look at her and speak, “thanks for coming with me… I wasn’t really thinking when I just asked you all of the sudden…” I hope this isn't an inconvenience.

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Current: 281
Total: 1981

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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Thinking over her words, I knew that she had a point; guns in a sleeping forest would more than likely rile up a lot of attention. I did not have a silencer for my guns, nor did I have a silent weapon such as Izumi’s pole blade thing. If possible, it might behoove me to allow her to do most of the work and demon killing, that way I wouldn’t burden us with more attention than we would have to deal with. In hindsight, I could claim this to be the reason for bringing her along and deem myself a genius. With a nod, I accept that and speak, “good plan. It would be best if we didn’t have to fight, but if we do, I’m counting on you since my guns would be too loud.” I suppose I could always punch a spirit, or something to that nature, but I wasn’t in the mood to be laughed at by whatever we came across. Seeing her ready and leaving the cars behind, I lead the way towards the fields that occupy the distance and separate the city from the forest.

The pace of my walking is quick though the tall grasses as my focus stays on the dark tree line in the distance with the city getting further and further behind us. So far, so good, there didn’t seem to be anything lurking in the tall grasses, nor had we stepped on a sleeping something yet. Of course there would be an awkward silence during this trek, so I take this time to kind of fill Izumi in on what I saw. Speaking in a low tone as we walked, I go into a bit more detail about the dream sequence described in the first post so that she would be in the dark about my motives leading me forest bound.

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Current: 311
Total: 2292

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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Movement continues into the depths of the forest in a ginger manner so as not to rile anything that needn’t be riled. By this time, the grassy foliage of the borderlands changed from tall grasses to all types of shrubbery and trees. There did not seem to be a particular path to follow, save the forest seemed to be full of intertwining paths. A hush comes to my voice in my explaining as I pause in my steps and stand straight up looking both ways. A hand comes to my chest before I look to the right and give a look as if noticing something in the distance. “That way…” I say as I continue in that direction. The walk would proceed for several minutes through the forest and during this time, there are a few rustles in the leaves, but there was not the worst case scenario of a huge beast jumping out and laying waste to the forest. I noticed a few passive and wandering spirits linger here and there, but nothing with a mind to do more than stare in our direction. After walking for some time, we come upon a stone small hut in the forest. It is rectangular in the shape of an alter with no apparent door but a dragon symbol on the front of one of the stone slaps that would make up one of its walls. I pause coming to it and advise, “I think I was lead here.” I turn to Izumi to hear her opinion before I notice a soft “thump” on the ground near us. Turning I look towards what seems to be rustling foliage, but in the darkness, I am unable to see whatever lingers in our proximity; though the sound of heavy breathing could be heard aloud.

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Current: 300
Total: 2592

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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“Yes…” I answer in a hushed tone when the question comes to me. After concentrating a bit, I am able to sense it a bit better since my focus had been on the spirit GPS that laid within me, but after the rustle and coming here, my focus was on whatever was out in the bush. There is another soft thump where the ground seems to vibrate softly with a rustling of the shrubbery. I knew that if we started a battle here, it would probably attract a lot of attention; and we were a long way from the exit having just finally reached out destination. I curse in a murmur before turning back and looking at the alter. Whatever was out there creeps towards us slowly in the darkness. Attempting to ignore that I search around the alter for something that I was not quite sure of. Surely I hadn’t come all the way out here to look at a rock. “Actually…” I murmur to inform Izumi as I inspect the alter, “there’s more than one thing… I think.” By this time, it would be obvious even without sensing that there were things around us, but I was looking for something.

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Current: 202
Total: 2794

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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‘Hurry up,’ the words repeat in my head after she says it. I murmur lightly to myself with a small puff; even if she says that, it wasn’t something I could help. It was safe to say that I was on the same level of confusion or being lost as she would have to be. I could feel and hear the approaching spirits get closer and closer as I continue to look up and down the alter, pressing my hands against the wall in search for a nook, cranny, or something that could do something before giving the call to run for it while shooting. The approach along with the solution all occurs in a matter of quick moments that pass by swiftly. In my searching of the alter, as my hand presses on the wall of the alter, there is a bright light that outlines my hand and then the wall vanishes with me falling forwards into it. My voice trails as if I were traveling fast. At first glance, so Izumi, it may look and sound as if there were a stairway leading down into something that I had fallen into when actually it was more along the lines of a slick stone “slip and slide” that would traverse several stories down beneath the surface. By this time, with me having fallen into the alter, the beasts from the forest hasten their approach, yet they would not enter the alter if given the chance to pursue us in.

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Current: 250
Total: 3044

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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With Izumi’s entrance into the shrine, the door closes, cutting out the dim source of moon light and leaving nothing but a dark descent. The demons are stopped there and are no longer of importance to the story. During this time of my sliding down, it feels almost as if my stomach had sunken into my back. I was never one for roller coasters and didn’t like being on rides I couldn’t control. I hear a shrill sound from above me, quickly coming to the conclusion that Izumi was following behind. There is a loud splash as my fall is broken by something liquid. In my crashing into the water, I notice the depth as my feet do not feel anything solid within standing range, thus doggy paddling is the route I choose. In following with the warning to move out of the way, I paddle away from my landing spot in the darkness in a direction I think is forwards, due to the direction from which I came. Sometime after Izumi would arrive behind me, light would arrive into the room as wall torches begin to light one by one, lining an area that would seem as large as a gymnasium surrounding us. Aside from the high ceiling, walls and the water, about half way into this area would be solid ground in the form of a stone platform, or wharf like area that lead into solid ground. After shielding my eyes from and adjusting to the new found light of the cavern and the initial shock of my surroundings, I would turn to check on Izumi.

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Current: 268
Total: 3312

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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With the visual confirmation of Izumi, I figured well enough that she was at least fine enough to swim, therefore, I turn and make my way towards solid ground. After a few strokes in the dark depths, my hand comes to a stone platform and I pull myself out of the water. Water cascades my form, with my hair and drenched as I come out of the water much like a half drowned cat; wet and unhappy. Turning as I lift up, I come to sit on the wooden platform and then hold out my hand to the approaching Izumi to help her up and out of the water. My breath is a bit heavy for a short whiled as I move on to pulling my hair back and out of my face. With a sigh, my hand reaches into my pocket, pulling out and looking to my cell phone. Of course, I had no reception, but at least the thing was water resistant. I place it back into my pocket, mentally realizing that everything in my pockets and my guns were probably all soaked. A bit disgruntled, I turn around to view the area behind us. There wasn’t much save for solid ground and walls. I turn back towards Izumi and inquire, “are you okay?” As I speak to her, a small sphere of light starts to form in the center of the cleared area several yards away from our current position. The sphere calls out to Izumi in a curious manner.

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Current: 253
Total: 3565

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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I receive a partial answer to whether she was okay or not. Her voice seems to trail off as if her attention was captured, or she was spellbound by something. In my position, I could fully understand the feeling. She had stood there, leaning over using her spade to support her and against fighting against my will, my gaze was fixated on two other spheres, wet and dripping beneath her clothing. After a moment’s pause, it dawns on me that there was something behind me and in turning, I notice the object of Izumi’s attention. Turning fully towards it, I take it in before looking in all directions and noticing nothing else was around. By this point, the spirit GPS deep within the recesses of my chest had faded away, so I couldn’t tell if the sphere was good or evil. “Interesting,” I murmur as I begin walking towards it. With it being the only thing around, there was no reason not to. As I walk that way, something more alarming comes into mind as I notice the lack of an exit. On the up side, there was light; but I knew a trek back up the way from whence we came would be a very tiring experience.

After approaching the sphere, I look down at it. It was about the size of a basketball and hung passively in the air. I look to Izumi and back to the thing and question, “do you think I should touch it.” I half joke, “you touch it first.” The sphere speak, but I am unable to hear it. Izumi would more than likely hear, “of what family hails this young warrior maiden?”

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Current: 280
Total: 3845

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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I move my hand towards the sphere, hovering it over the sphere cautiously, but Izumi’s voice startles me, catching me off guard as I turn my attention to her, keeping my hand in place. I give her an odd look as if to say, “okay… and?” I had not heard the sphere speak, but it continues to speak as it states, “I see. It seems you’re the protector of this man. Let us test and see how well you can accomplish that task.” Suddenly, I feel my body tugged forward as my hand comes to the sphere and is held in place. My body vanishes along with the sphere and the area around Izumi seems to rumble as if something where coming. There is the sharp cry of a dragon that echoes around the room. Dust unsettles from the walls and cascades like small water falls on each side with the rumble. At the distant end of the room, lines of light start to build the form of an immense snake dragon that towers from the roof of the room to the floor. Its long tail coils about causing the room to stir; its bearded head lowers slowly as it neck protrudes from the back of the room to where Izumi stood. It starts to glow and minimize into a humanoid being that seemed much like a long black-haired swordsman with a dragon’s tail and wings. The silent male looks up to Izumi from his standing point yards away at the end of the room and warns, “prepare yourself!” By lifting his blade, he sends a rushing blade of wind across the distance, creating a canyon of dust, towards her.

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Current: 280
Total: 4125

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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The rushing wind attack strikes her defense and parts both ways, kicking up much dust in the process and momentarily blocking out the vision of the dragon. As the dust settled, the humanoid dragon would be in the air; his blade burning with fire. There was no more talking at this point, as the rest would be action from the winged male. Seemingly with great ease, his body stands casually to the side and with a downward slashing motion, a large orbs of dragon’s breath rushes down towards Izumi’s position from the elevated position. In all, the ball of fire would be around the size of a person with fierce properties and would descend like a meteor. After the downward slash and sending out the fireball, the dragon’s would not stay immobile, rather its body would flicker and it would vanish from that area and appear in the same place in the sky, only on the opposite side of Izumi to her rear. After changing positions in the air, the dragon rushes down towards the ground with his blade drawn back, waiting to see how Izumi would respond to the attack in an effort to counter against it.

I wouldn’t necessarily be uncomfortable during my out of body experience. My conscious was blurred and it felt to me as if I were sleep and in some type of dream. As far as I could tell, wherever I was, my eyes were closed, but I was surrounding by a warm and radiate light which was the makeup of the sphere that had vanished along with me.

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Current: 265
Total: 4390

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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The ball of fire hits with the ground and causes the cave to rumble a little bit as the attack misses Izumi and digs into the ground with the momentum of the projection still behind it. The fiery ball does stop there, yet it sinks partially into the ground and rolls, growing smaller as it continues towards the waters from whence we had come, creating a singed rut in its wake. The attack meets with the dark, cool waters and hisses on contact as it forcefully dissipates into steam. The dragon stays on course with Izumi’s movements and as the slash comes in from the spade, the dragon swordsman pulls up, lifting his blade in an arc to deflect the weapon melee attack. Sparks flicker in the air from the clashing of the blade and the spade. After the initial clash between blades, the dragon human hybrid would counter with a flurry of sword barrages of average speed offering minimal offerings; attacks that most likely could be kept up with, blocked and countered by his current opponent. He would not be fighting to his full potential just yet, and would not if he did not have too.
I continue to reside passively in the alternate realm. My eyes slowly start to open as I see nothing but a bright light surrounding me. I become conscious and aware of my surroundings and notice that I am floating in this sea of whiteness. Turning around, I attempt to get my bearings. A small opening parts near the button of the white sphere, giving a glimpse of the world in the real realm.

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Current: 270
Total: 4660

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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Even during the back and forth in the attacks and parrying, the assaulter assured the basic feel that he held the advantage in reaction and ability over his human opponent. The purpose of his attacks would be justified to gauge Izumi’s potential, and he would use that information in their battle with one another. After the weapon lock occurs, the draconic male resists the urge to instinctively react with the options of overpowering Izumi to compromise the redirect or releasing the sword with an attempt of a guard or melee counter attack. Izumi’s succeeds in directing the dragon spirit’s blade vertically as she ascends and pounces off of him, flipping back. Taking more insult than actual injury, the light attack doesn’t phase the dragon spirit enough to hinder his reaction. After the realization that there were feet on his face, the dragon moved. In the middle of her back flip, the dragon would over the short distance between him and the back flipping Izumi, reaching out for her ankle with one hand, with his blade having been released in the other. If the grab succeeded, the motion would continue in a spin and chuck to send the previously airborne Izumi flying diagonally upwards and away towards the ceiling of this area.

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Current: 211
Total: 4871

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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The demon doesn’t make an attempt to dodge or respond to Izumi’s last ditch attack while being thrown, since the chance of the attack hitting would be minimal given the time complications of attempting to strike someone during the time and inverted orientation that it took for him to fling her. There was also a chance that he wouldn’t notice the attempt seeing as it should take her more time to swing the spade like that than it would take for him to swing her. After she hits the ceiling, he stands there in the sky, simply watching her as she began to fall down.

From within the sphere, I am able to see the attack attempt and the counter from the hybrid. I see Izumi strike the ceiling with a harsh impact and without thinking about it, I call out in concern, “Izumi!...” My voice would barely escape the sphere. My fear was that she was outclassed and fighting some type of monster that I knew couldn’t be human. I began to struggle in the sphere, but I could find no why to attempt to get out of the warm glowing light that engulfed me. My attention turns back to Izumi as I hope that she is alright feeling the hopelessness that there was nothing I could do to help her. Regardless, I knew I needed to find a way to get out of here and help her.

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Current: 239
Total: 5110

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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The humanoid dragon watches as Izumi comes to the ground and rolls before returning to a standing position. Passively his wings beat in a rhythmic motion, keeping his floating status in the air during this time. His expression would show him curious that she was standing after the attack and subsequent fall. Her toughness didn’t seem to frustrate him, but more so, it made him seem even more interested in her in a curious manner. Reading the dragonoid himself may prove a feat in itself to normal watchers, as the male didn’t seem to be the type to visually or verbally give off his emotions; rather he watched and attacked with a calm confidence. With one hand holding his blade downwards towards the ground, his other hand comes up and brushes a bang of his long silver locks to the side. He witnesses Izumi’s re-composition and notices the change that goes on with her body. As she ‘powers up’ his body slowly lowers to the ground about ten or so meters from Izumi, until his scaly two-toed feet comes to the ground and his wings stop in their waving. Judging that Izumi seemed ready for the dragon’s approach, he rears his head back and holds his mouth closed. Flames attempt to escape from the creases in his lips as he builds up as if taking a large breath. His body leans forwards as he spews forth a large wall of flames, sending them towards Izumi, but instead of striking her head on, they would travel around her in a large circle and build up flame walls to entrap her. Rushing forwards, the dragon would burst through the flames he’s created in a straight on thrust towards Izumi’s chest at an Strong speed.

In my struggling, I feel a bit of looseness in the soothing light that held me. It attempted to coax me into a false sense of security, but I fight against it much like a squirming babe. I could feel myself slipping slowly out of the sphere as if I may fall at any moment. It was at that time when I realized how high above the ground I really was and had to ponder if escaping the sphere was such a great idea at the moment.

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Current: 379
Total: 5489

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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The thrust misses by a close margin as the dragon passes by Izumi. In an anticipation of the move, the dragon’s tail of all things seems destined to strike an opening in Izumi’s stance, but the properties of the soul ripper cause a pained reaction from the dragon, interrupting the attack and causing him to follow through his momentum and fall back defensively with one hand on his blade and the other on his stomach not departing more than a few feet from Izumi after the passing, probably turning towards her to respond to a counter attack if not interrupted.

It feels as if I am attempting to hold my weight on paper, and all of a sudden I feel nothingness. With a bit of an uncool yelp, I find myself swiftly descending to the ground and impact is made as I somehow find that I had escaped the bind of the white sphere that held me. Either that, or it had spat me out because I didn’t taste good. Sprawling a bit, I am glad that no bones were broken in the fall, and in getting to my palms and knees, I notice Izumi in mid battle centered in a ring of flames with the dragon sword fighting creature.

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Current: 210
Total: 5699

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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In the passing, the technique seemed to work well as the dragon was damaged enough for him to halter and not respond to the attack that transitioned with his passing. The strike is noticed too late, but the target is redirected as the hand of the dragon is saved, but the area further to his mid forearm would be cut by the sharp edge of the spade. In the time it takes for the spade to rotate after the swing, the dragon would step back and give a swift “spit” out towards Izumi, sending a small beach ball sized flame attack towards her chest in an attempted offensive defense move.

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Current: 110
Total: 5809

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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After the diversionary defensive measure, the dragon sucks up the pain of his own damage to counter attack, moving forwards and switching his blade into his other hand as he uses his left hand to swing the blade horizontally across what should be Izumi’s upper torso region.

The flames continue to burn around the two as the battle continues. By this time, I have succeeded in picking myself off the ground and dusting off. Pride in tact, I look up and my hand instinctively rises to one of my pistols. I am able to witness the fire attack on Izumi and out of concern for her, my need and desire to protect her rises. Lifting the gun, I set my aim through the fire and the flames at the target that continues to attack her.

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Current: 135
Total: 5944

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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The blades meet and the dragon pushes against Izumi’s defense in the moments where the blades lock. The dragon’s large wings beat back pulling it in the reverse direction as Izumi pats her should to put out the fire. Suddenly there is a loud sound that pierces the air, as there is a reverberating echo in the large enclosed area. Several similar loud sounds follow as I fire four shots at the dragon to take him down now that he’s backed away from Izumi. Time seems to slowdown for the humanoid dragon as the gunshots triggers its full abilities and it uses a form of bullettime to evade the shots. Looking at my target, I notice it flicker and vanish from where I was shooting at. The humanoid dragon appears hovering over the ground with its wings pressed back, flying towards me and away from my guardian with its sword trailing its quick movements.

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Current: 154
Total: 6098

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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Somewhere between the time of firing the shots and seeing the dragon human thing coming towards me, I figured what I did had not been a good idea. In my defense, there was no way that I could have known it had the ability to dodge bullets. Really, who does that? In the small instance that shifted like a paralyzed eternity in my mind, I could only assume that the flicker I noticed from the thing was some type of speed enhancing movement. Of course, I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the speed of the demon; rather than relying on what I saw of the demon’s approach, I could feel it’s energy signature as it rushed towards me bringing impending doom with it. To my surprise, I am barely even able to comprehend what happens next as Izumi appears out of no where and blocks the demon’s path. The demon, not having witnessed Izumi’s ability to ‘teleport’ has no way of being prepared for a counter attack such as this. By the time he notices her, it is too late and he is unable to evade the attack fully without being dealt a mortal wound. Attempting to shift his motion, the dragon’s wings span out and its body moves less from a rushing posture to upright. The spade slashes cleaning through its chest and torso. There is a moment’s pause as the dragon’s body comes to a halt and it knows that it has been defeated. With a nod to Izumi, he acknowledges her skill. The red line across his torso burns and his body disintegrates into spirit particles that scatter and float into the air, leaving a still nothingness. Composing myself, I understand that the beast had been defeated and I stand straight upright looking over to Izumi as I put my gun away.

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Current: 307
Total: 6405

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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The question about my well being comes casually enough. I did find it odd that I had never seen Izumi display that type of power before, however, it wasn’t too much of a shock as surprises seemed to be the norm with her starting with her various skills, family background, and fighting prowess. With a nod, I assure her, “I’m fine, I’m sorry to work you like that. Are you okay?” I walk towards her as she starts to ‘power down’ from her battle. There is a bit of concern on my face as I look over her. She had been through a lot from free falling, to being doused in water and then bbq’d by the dragon spirit’s fire. Oddly enough, the hovering sphere had not vanished yet and stood there looking over us. Speaking to interrupt me, it comments in a voice I am unable to hear, “the heir of the Hiramoto Clan is worthy indeed, but why do you protect this man with your life?”

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Current: 168
Total: 6573

RP| Dragon’s Disciple | Collaborative Portion

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In the middle of me asking if Izumi was all right, it seems as if she is distracted by something else and looks past me. For a moment I continue to look forwards with my head tilted and an odd expression. Turning, my gaze shifts to her, but ultimately sees the thing beyond her that she is looking at. I recognize the spirit orb that lingered silently and passively in the air. I remembered that I was stuck in it and fell out of it at its current altitude. Seeing that reminded me also that there were no exits. Izumi’s words catch me off guard as they seem to come out of the blue, and for a moment I have to wonder if they were directed to or referenced me. Being important to her? It was a mushy topic, but it wasn’t like it was a bad thing; just something unexpected. I assume that she might be talking about me without being sure. I notice some type of spell occur around our surroundings and from the energy signature in it, I could tell that it came from her and not the floating sphere. The light did stick to her form well, however. With the nervous smile and questioning statement, I tease, “just a little.” I look back cautiously towards the sphere before commenting, “it may be best to do that later, however. At the moment we’re going to need to find a way out of here.” I find myself distracted with the notion of getting out of here. I was sure whatever called me in here wanted to kill me and internally I scolded myself for falling into what seemed to be an obvious trap. During this time, the sphere speaks again to Izumi and says, “I see… since that is the case and you’ve proven yourself in battle, I will make things easier on you.” The sphere fades away and my body starts to give off a soft glow. For the moment I am caught off guard as this seems to happen out of nowhere. The glow builds to the point where it whites out the surroundings and a white void engulfs the two of us. Slowly the light fades away and I find our bodies deposited in the grasses just outside of the forest.

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Current: 386
Total: 6959