Chapter 1
An empire is just like any living thing, eventually it grows old, before reaching a stage in which it must die and be replaced. This empire has become filled with corruption, with a child emperor sitting on the throne but no more than a puppet, waiting to have his strings cut. The nation is filled with poverty and sadness, and any that challenge the upper class are culled in the hundreds if dictated. The nation's decaying state is becoming more evident as time passes, with more of the corrupt politicians and high class using their status to take advantage of the lower class, because of this, many splinter factions have started to pop up more frequently over time in an attempt to rebel, only to be crushed easily by the imperial forces. One of these is the notorious Night Raid, a team of mostly unknown assassins of the growing, more united and widespread army of revolutionary forces.
A young man of an outlying small village in the countryside, far from the capital, was following an elder of said village through a forest, until he was led to a small mound of land jutting out from the side of a hilly part of the forest, almost impossible to see until revealed by the elderly man as they came nearer to the entrance.
"Now Tatsumi, i assume you understand my reason for bringing you out here, correct?" He paused looking at the youth's confused expression and sighed.
"It was around maybe four centuries ago now, when the village was smaller, and bandits and danger beasts roamed more freely in these lands, that raids and destruction plagued our people almost nightly, when a stranger appeared, though it is rumoured that this person had been one of the villagers that had vanished years prior, to return clad in an armour unlike any we had witnessed at the time, with power seemingly decimating many foes before the man collapsed in the centre of the village, dying. His only possession upon death?" He gestured for the boy to follow into the hole as he entered.
Space was sparse in the cramped tunnel, maybe lasting a few metres of discomfort as there was a pulsing heat sensation getting stronger, the walls feeling hotter the further in they trekked until the tunnel opened into a more spacious yet rather small and hidden room from the rest of the world, in which lay, to Tatsumi's horror and fascination, a skeletal arm protruding from the ground in the centre, adorned only by a intricately patterned silver ring, with a large, crimson gem embedded in its core. It was something that made the boy feel weak in its presence, as it seemed to emanate power from itself, making the air of their surroundings crackle slightly. The elder turned to Tatsumi and spoke "This, is the only possession of the dragon knight that saved our people all those years ago, the Teigu, Roar of the Dragon, Deagora."
Tatsumi stared at it for a moment in awe, then blinked. "As much as this is an honour to be shown this… why are you showing me this?"
"Child, as many of the village know, you wish to become a part of the imperial forces as a way of helping our people-" his faced turned dark in the dim light of the cave, the ring being the only faint glow of light around in the small space "-many still view you as weak in their eyes, unable to contend with others of the Capital… You need to become stronger to prove them wrong, for your own good, and for those that shall be more or less depending on your actions…" he said sombrely, before smiling a little, seeing the distraught face of the training warrior. "Only messing with you, Tatsumi, we all believe in you. However, there are rumours that only those capable of wielding certain… artifacts, can be viewed as much more highly in rank in their form of military. The Elder gestured for Tatsumi to approach the ring, obeying like a dog, he ventured forward towards the ring, feeling a presence that seemed to be watching him, but unable to detect exactly where invisible eyes scanned him the closer to the relic he got.
A voice echoed inside his head. "Sending a mere boy now, it seems… pathetic humans, but alas, it seems yet another fool seeks my power." Tatsumi stopped, looking around for the elder, who appeared to left the youth alone in the room, the voice stopped for a moment, curious. "What's he looking for?"
"Wh-who's there?" Tatsumi called out, reaching for a short sword in its scabbard.
"You hear my voice, human? Strange, but interesting… What is it you wish of my power, I wonder? Another petty 'hero' who wants glory and women perhaps? Or do you have another reason for wanting my power child?" The voice replied.
Tatsumi shook his head. "I mean, i want to help with my home and all, but that's why i want to join the military, to help people here. But who- where are you hiding anyway? Show yourself!" He yelled, looking around for someone to appear.
The was a long pause, then a sigh. "...wow, are you an idiot kid? I'm right here" Tatsumi continued looking around at the enclosed space. "Over here, dumbass! I'm really the only other thing in this damn place if you couldn't tell!" His eyes trailed down to the ring, still raised by the deceased's hand, then reached out towards it, feeling the heat growing further from it, wanting to stop and retreat from the strange object and the odd voice, but compelled to see this through, his fingers curled around the object and snatched it away from the remains of its previous owner. The feeling of heat vanished and for Tatsumi in the cave, the world went black.
A blinding bright flash of light appeared in front of him and he shielded his eyes from it as it engulfed him. Pain shot through his body and he screamed, feeling flames lick his body as it surrounded him… then nothing. His eyes slowly opened, he was still alive? The light had faded significantly, but he was in a sea of fire, standing on no visible floor, only more fire below and above, but no pain."Still planning on taking me i see, very well. You appear capable, judging from your memories... " the voice started to quieten towards the end. Before the boy could even think of a response the voice carried on, apparently unable to think quietly to itself. "I could do with getting out of this place anyhow, been stuck here for too damn long, probably gonna get rusty in a fight it's been so long… " it trailed off again.
After a short while of the voice's ponderings, seeming to forget the now agitated human, Tatsumi spoke up "okay what the hell is going on here? Is this the afterlife or someth-"
"Ah! Damn kid, you startled me there, forgot you were here, sorry." The voice of Deagora yelped.
"Why am I even here?" He asked, confused.
"You entered my lair and stole me from my master, I have to see what sort of fool would try to even attempt this sort of plan, that is why we are here of course. Now, again, what do you really want from me, huh?" It asked, sounding more authoritative this time. "Know what? This is a pointless endeavor in itself if you don't even wear me…" Deagora grumbled.
Tatsumi blinked, opening his hand to find the ring was still in his palm, he picked it up and slid it down onto his left ring finger. But no sooner as he had done so, he felt a quick pain where the ring was placed, and looked in horror as he saw blood drip from beneath the ring, but flow towards the red gem embedded in the ring. When it seemed have had enough of its vampiric meal, the voice spoke again "Well now we are bonded. Via this connection you will never truly be alone. I will always be at your side. You are my master...actually come to think about it what is your name?" The ring asked curiosity evident in it's voice.
"Tatsumi" he replied.
"Well Tatsumi my name is Deagora: the roar of the dragon" Deagora spoke again "I grant you dominion over fire and once you are strong enough you may where my mighty dragon armour. Now master it's time for sleep" Deagora's gem glowed brightly and everything around Tatsumi disappeared in a void of black.
Tatsumi woke up in his bed, he had Deagora on his left finger, looking closely he could see the faint outline of a dragon swim around inside the gem. "What's up master?" Deagora asked as the outline stopped to face Tatsumi. "Ahh I am all good" Tatsumi answered.
"Good, oh by the way master you're late" deagora informed with a sense of amusement in his voice. "What do you mea….crap" Tatsumi said as he leaped out of bed and grabbed his bag of packed survival gear that was given to him by many of the townsfolk. He opened the door wearing a pale yellow jumper and wore a white shirt underneath, he had a bright smile on his face "Well Deagora let's save my home".
Tatsumi left his home village with his two childhood friends Ieyasu and Sayo, all carrying the hopes and dreams of their village. They set off heading for the capitol with the aim to join the guard and become rich to save their home. Unfortunately on the way they were attacked and were separated but Tatsumi was unwavered. He pressed on knowing in his heart that they will reunite at the capitol.
Along the way Tatsumi fought many danger beasts but he was the best warrior in his village, he dealt with many of them easily without the need to tap into Deagora's power. He finally reached the capitol after three days of constant battling against the beast but it did not even tire him, if anything it got him more pumped for his goal, when he stepped into the guard barracks he instantly tried to show of, which unfortunately for him got his ass thrown out of there.
"Master remember there is a crisis going on with money, they probably aren't taking anyone on" Deagora said.
"Hey aren't you a country boy" said a blonde woman who was leaning over the fallen Tatsumi. "You're trying to join the guard, well maybe I can help but first buy me lunch" she said "Oh and the names Leone" she said smiling.
"No problem lunch it is, my name is Tatsumi" Tatsumi said.
A little later on
"You said lunch but you're just getting smashed" Tatsumi complained.
"Well drinking brings out the fun" Leone said.
"Now spill it how do I get through the ranks of the guard quickly?" Tatsumi asked.
After a long explanation where Lione said if Tatsumi gave her a large amount of money she'll bribe a friend for him. When he realised what he did he almost cried. He had just given all the money he had to a stranger who ran off.
"I know you are an idiot" Deagora said laughing. " I mean seriously, don't you know nothing."
Due to having no money Tatsumi was forced to sleep outside in the cold but thanks to Deagora's power over fire he wasn't freezing. A carriage was riding past him and stopped with a little lady walked out.
"Do you need a place to stay" she asked in a soft tone. " I can take you with me to my family's mansion. You'll be safe there" she said with a smile. "My name is Aria, what is yours?" She asked.
"My name is Tatsumi, thank you very much." Tatsumi said as he got into the carriage.
When he arrived he met both of Aria's parents who were polite and kind. They treated him with respect. They vowed to help Tatsumi find his friends, Aria's father went so far to even promise to get Tatsumi into the guards starting as a lieutenant right of the start.
"Really I couldn't thank you enough" Tatsumi said.
"It's no problem, We'll find your friends in no time" The father stated.
"I am sure you'll be reunited with them soon" Aria said but her eyes shown a hint of something
Tatsumi couldn't put his finger on it at all.
On the way to the room he was given, one of the guards pulled him aside.
"You are good with a blade yes?" He asked
"I am" Tatsumi said.
"Have you heard of night raid?" The guard asked fearful.
"No" Tatsumi replied.
"Well they are assassins who kill nobles, they blame all nobles for the state the empire is in, when it is just the prime minister's fault" The guard said.
"Do you think they'll attack here" Tatsumi asked.
"Yes I do" The guard said before a loud scream pierced the silence. "There already here" he said in fear.
The mother was sliced in two before she even knew what happened and standing in front of her corpse was a purple haired women holding a giant pair of scissors, she bowed before the corpse before saying "I am sorry" she disappeared out of sight just as quickly as she appeared.
The father was being strangled to death by a blonde haired women with very much feline traits, having a tail, cat ears and even claws for her hands.
"Please I have a daughter" The father pleaded.
"Don't worry, she'll be joining you" Leone said as she broke his neck.
Tatsumi saw Aria being pulled of by a group of guards roughly twelve of them. They were being chased by two girls both were wielding katanas.
"We have to help her" Tatsumi said as he rushed behind them. He saw nine of the guards turn to fight the two girls, who just said "Eliminate" as they easily sliced through them, during this distraction Tatsumi easily slipped past them and got to Aria
"Aria are you okay" Tatsumi asked.
"Tatsumi please buy us the time please" one of the guards said as he saw two black haired girls run towards them one with long hair and the other with short hair. They both stopped when they saw Tatsumi draw two short swords and face them.
"Not a target" the long haired one said
"No need to eliminate" the short haired one continued.
They both went to run around Tatsumi who fell back and made sure to be in the way of the girls and Aria.
"These two are obviously better than me but I have no choice, if I can't save one girl how can I save my home" Tatsumi thought as got ready to engage.
"Hold it master these two are really dangerous, they both are wielding imperial relics." Deagora said "hmm I think it's time to use my power, otherwise you are definitely dead"
"Right then now or never then" Tatsumi said.
"Say my name with all your fury, with all the fire in your soul." Deagora shouted.
Tatsumi raised the ring facing it to the girls who backed off slightly.
"DEEAAGGOORRAA!" Tatsumi shouted as a inferno spiralled around him and at the top of it rose a giant dragon it roared into the sky before descending around Tatsumi, revealing him head to toe in a dark red armor with two wings protruding out the back. It had a small dragon engraved into the left shoulder plate. Tatsumi moved his arms forward as flames danced around his hands and he pulled out of the fires two flaming short swords, he spun them in front of the two girls.
"Surrender now, no one needs to get hurt." Tatsumi said blades raised.
The two girls readied their blades but before they could charge a new voice broke the violence.
"Hey country boy" Leone said as she walked forward.
"You, you stole all my money" Tatsumi said blade pointing at her
"Well no she didn't steal it just you know made you look like an ass" Deagora said.
"Hey no fair" Leone said pretending to be hurt. "But before you think you're rushing to the protection of an innocent girl, you should look in there." She said pointing to the barn where the guards were heading too.
"She isn't lying, she generally believes something in there will change your mind" Deagora said.
"Anything I can do to stop them slitting her throat to then" Tatsumi asked.
"Say Deagora prima" Deagora said.
"Deagora prima" Tatsumi said as the dragon on his left shoulder plate moved on it's own, it jumped of the armor, it became a solid object and grew to the size of a rather large dog.
Everyone backed off as this small metal dragon snarled at them. Tatsumi marveled at this, "there is literally nothing you can't do hey?" He asked.
"Well within reason" Deagora responded.
Tatsumi turn around and smashed his fist into the door of the barn, it blew off it's hinges with ease. What he saw broke his heart there in the centre of the room hung his best friend Sayo she was skinned alive and turned to see Ieyasu coughing up blood in a cell. He ran towards hit and ripped the bars off. Ieyasu fell into his lap, as the armor cover Tatsumi vanished.
"Ahh I finally get to see Deagora's power, that's worth it. You know Sayo didn't given no matter how much that little monster tortured her she never gave in, How could I do nothing less" Ieyasu said before taking one last breath. Deagora roared with anger, it could be seen through the dragon which instantly turned it attention to Aria, it snarled and flames appeared in its mouth. Tatsumi walked out quietly and looked at Aria who at this point was defending herself shouting "You should all be happy I did that to them, you farm peasants are lesser than animals."
Upon hearing those words Tatsumi engulfed himself in fire and walked out wearing his armor. He put his hand into the fires that appeared to the side of him and pulled out a greatsword, Aria shouted and roared at Tatsumi before he moved his blade and took her head clean of her shoulders but there was no blood. The blade was so hot, it instantly cauterized the wound upon contact.
"Wow that was efficient" Leone said. "Hey I know you should join us" she said with arms raised and smiling.
A.N - So a few changes has been made but mostly this is too help set up the story, I hope people are happier with the changes. Everyone please thank my friend for his amazing help in this improved version, now we are not going to redo all the chapters but we will make sure all the following chapters 8 onwards are up to scratch with this one, and also the grand phoenix for their advice