A Bounty in the Heart Empire [Lonely Series]

[Taiga]

[Part 1 - Snoopin']

Another day, another bounty.

From atop her horse, Rio carefully navigated the rocky cliffs of the small, sea-side village of Shin Jajii in the Heart Empire. The cliffs led into a stone-road path that eventually made its way down to the village on the coast, short of the beach and a pier. The pier was quite famous on this side of the world as a marvelous and majestic place where families enjoyed ice cream and all sorts of fun social outery. As she gripped the reins of her horse, she thought quietly to herself about her father. If only he could be here with her, perhaps she could have made an enjoyable memory. Alas, she was here on business. Pushing the memory away to the sides of her conscious she continued through the streets of the town. People here seemed eerie. There was a slight mist upon the streets, and folks, though looking to be quite cozy, seemed to be rather preoccupied with their stalls or shops. The kids seem preoccupied too.

The clip-clop of her house however seemingly broke whatever spell was upon the folks as for a moment, it felt like every eye on the boardwalk and pier had turned its way to here. She nodded gently. The townspeople returned to their dull jobs and continued. They knew who she was- she was one of those bounty hunters, and like most bounty hunters, she rarely ever meant nor would she bring anything good to their town. She would continue along until reaching a stable where she would set her horse and trusty steed for the time being. Getting off, and tying her to the stable, she'd toss a coin to the stable hand to buy a bucket of grub for the horse. Petting her mane softly, Rio would speak.

"Good job girl- enjoy the food, ye?" she said as her leather-gloved hand brushed the majestic mare's hair one more time before she departed. She was in this village looking for a particularly vile criminal. It was said that in the Great War he had... had his way with the wives and children of his enemies while working as a mercenary for Rock Country... and then took his fortune to forge a new identity and hide elsewhere. He had a high bounty on his head- high enough that she was able to receive a permit from Heart on behalf of the guild to pursue the suspect... and now that she was here, she knew exactly where she would start. As in all good stories, the Inn and the bar were the best places to collect information. Leaving off from the stables she headed down the road, her helmet still on, as she looked for the nearest tavern, and locating it, she would enter.

ch-ch-ch-ch the sound of her metal armor jingling and jangling with each step would fill the room as the piano player suddenly stopped and the room became silent. A large man would instantly have his eye on her- and would stand to greet her, not before waving the piano player to continue. He'd speak with a poisoned-honey tone. "I'm the sheriff around here- I'm going to ask you take that helmet off sir." he said firmly, his hand lowering to the katana on his waste. "We don't take too kindly to strangers- and a man in a helmet ias the strangest of em all" he said with a whistly-laugh revealing his sparse smile, half of his teeth missing.

Rio complied, and took off her helmet, revealing not a man but a young woman with rather beautiful features. The sheriff ducked a slight bowl removing his hat. "My apologies missus." he said as he returned back to his table and game of poker, though clearly keeping an eye on Rio as she went deeper into the tavern and until the bar. Behind the bar was a young man.

The young man behind the bar looked up from wiping a glass as Rio approached. He had a friendly smile, though a hint of weariness marked his eyes. His name was Liam, and he was a local who had grown up during the war in this area- his mother having owned the inn before him.

"What can I get you?" Liam asked, his voice carrying a trace of curiosity.

Rio leaned against the counter, studying him for a moment before answering. "I'm looking for information. Word on the street is there might be someone here who goes by a different name. A man with a dark past. Have you heard anything?"

Liam's smile faded slightly, and his expression grew guarded. "I've heard whispers, but this town has its secrets. People don't like to talk about him openly. Too afraid, I suppose."

Rio's eyes narrowed, sensing the unease in Liam's voice. She reached into a small pouch on her belt and retrieved a shiny gold coin, sliding it across the counter toward him. "I understand people's fears, but this is a matter of justice. Help me find this man, and I'll make it worth your while."

Liam's gaze shifted between the gold coin and Rio, weighing his options. After a moment, he sighed and pocketed the coin. It was an easy decision with the rent price and current economy- wasn't like he was a trust fund baby or anything.

"Alright, I'll help you. His name is Victor. He keeps a low profile, but he frequents the old abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. It's said to be his hideout."

Rio nodded appreciatively. Victor was such a foreign name for these parts, though with the founding of the Heart Empire she wasn't sure she could really say that. "You've been helpful. Keep your eyes open. If you see or hear anything else, let me know." she said as she jangled her coin purse at her waste.

As she turned to leave, a patron at the far end of the bar, a weathered fisherman nursing a mug of ale, called out to her. "You be careful, miss. Victor ain't one to mess with. He's got a mean streak and a gang of loyal followers. If you cross paths, you better have more than luck on your side."[.b] Rio gave the fisherman a nod of acknowledgment, respectfully from within her Ryuuagane helmet. She didn't say anything though- to say something would be to draw more attention to herself than she already did.

With a hunch started, she strode out of the tavern, her determination resolute. The task ahead would be challenging, but she was resolved to apprehend Victor and bring him to justice. The abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town would be her next destination, and she was prepared for whatever awaited her within its shadowed walls.

Little did Rio know that her pursuit of Victor would unveil a web of corruption and betrayal that extended far beyond a simple bounty. The journey she was about to embark on would test her skills, her courage, and her resolve like never before, as she unraveled the dark secrets hidden within the Heart Empire and sought to bring justice to Victor.

[Taiga]

[Part 2 - On the Hunt]
As Rio made her way through the narrow streets of Shin Jajii, her mind consumed with thoughts of Viktor and the impending confrontation. The fading daylight cast long shadows over the village as she ventured deeper into its heart. He had murdered children. Assaulted women. Hell, assaulted children. There would be no holier act on this earth than to expel him; and to be paid for it would only make it sweeter. Why had her father wished her not to be a Bounty Hunter? Perhaps her naivety prevented her from yet knowing the path it would set her on.

As she walked, she couldn't shake off the eerie sensation that she was being watched. Whispers seemed to drift on the wind, mingling with the rustling of leaves. The village's once-cozy atmosphere had taken on an ominous undertone. Rio's instincts led her to a modest tea house nestled at the edge of the village, known as Suien-an. Its sliding doors beckoned her, and she pushed them aside, stepping into a room adorned with traditional tatami mats and wooden accents.

Seated behind a low table, she found herself face to face with an elderly woman, her eyes wise and weathered. She introduced herself as Kaede, the village's resident fortune teller and keeper of ancient knowledge.

"Welcome, young warrior," Kaede greeted Rio, her voice carrying a melodic tone. "I sensed your arrival, the winds whispered of a seeker of justice. What brings you to my humble tea house?" Rio gazed over only to notice her eyes- they were white with cataracts. Surely the woman was blind. Rio bowed respectfully, as the woman seemed to gaze at her, then through her. Her eyes than shot out beyond her, as if she were peering into realms beyond the physical. When she opened them again, they sparkled with clarity.

The cataracts interestingly gone revealing purple eyes.

"Viktor, a name shrouded in darkness. He walks a treacherous path, leaving broken lives in his wake. Seek him near the old shrine on the outskirts of the village. It is said that his sins linger there, tethering him to a past he cannot escape." Rio's heart quickened with anticipation. She had said nothing and yet this lady knew who she was here for, and where he was. Still, doubt came over her. Rio sat there, unsure of how to proceed. Perhaps the fisherman had alerted her somehow and this was a rouse.

Kaede spoke up.

"No cost- just kill the bastard." Kaede said.

She really didn't need anymore. That was more than enough. With a deep breath she paused. The old shrine, forgotten and overgrown, stood as a beacon of her next destination.

"Thank you, Kaede-sama, for your wisdom. I will tread carefully and uncover the truth."

With a final bow, Rio departed from Suien-an, her resolve unyielding. As she ventured toward the outskirts of Shin Jajii, the night sky enveloped the village, and the stars above shimmered with a silent promise. The path leading to the old shrine was overgrown with tangled vegetation, concealing the forgotten memories within its depths. Rio stepped cautiously, her senses attuned to every rustle and crackle. Moonlight filtered through the dense canopy above, casting an ethereal glow on the moss-covered stones.

Arriving at the entrance of the dilapidated shrine, Rio felt a sense of foreboding emanating from its weathered walls. She hesitated, knowing that unraveling Viktor's past would lead her deeper into a labyrinth of treachery.

With a deep breath, Rio crossed the threshold, stepping into the realm of secrets and shadows. The shrine whispered its stories to her, revealing fragments of Viktor's past. Tattered scrolls, broken statues, and faded paintings spoke of a man driven by greed and ruthlessness.

As Rio pieced together the fragmented clues, she couldn't help but wonder about the true extent of Viktor's crimes. What other horrors lay hidden beneath his mask of deception? And who else had been affected by his malevolence
Determined to bring justice to the oppressed, Rio vowed to continue her pursuit. She would not rest until Viktor was held accountable for his actions and the village of Shin Jajii could breathe freely once more.

Little did she know that Viktor's web of influence extended far beyond the confines of this small village. As she delved deeper into the darkness, she would uncover a conspiracy that threatened the very foundations of the Heart Empire, with Viktor as only a pawn in a larger game.

With her resolve steeled and her knives at her side, Rio prepared herself for the battles yet to come. The path ahead would test her strength, her loyalty, and her understanding of the blurred lines between justice and vengeance. The fate of Shin Jajii and this corner of the Heart Empire hung in the balance, and Rio would prove to be the beacon of hope in their darkest hour.

Or would she?

The familiar whizzing and whistling sound of an arrow filled the air as Rio suddenly felt a powerful blow to her shoulder that knocked her back onto the ground, her pauldron falling off.

[Taiga]

[Part 3 - A Message from the King]
As the arrow sliced through the air, Rio's reflexes kicked in, narrowly avoiding a fatal blow. However, the force of the projectile struck her pauldron, causing her to stumble backward and crash onto the moss-covered ground of the shrine. Pain shot through her shoulder, and her vision blurred momentarily from the impact. Her shoulder pauldron was off, but she had no time to do anything more. The familiar whizzing rang out in the air once more as she rolled to the side narrowly dodging the next arrow and drawing her sword.

Her eyes scanned the tree-line as a figure emerged from the shadows, a hooded figure wielding a bow with deadly precision. The assassin's eyes gleamed with a mixture of arrogance and malice as he notched another arrow, readying himself for the next attack. Rio's heart pounded in her chest as she faced this skilled adversary. She knew she was outmatched in long-range combat, but she refused to back down. If she could close the gap enough she could do this. If she could get in range for her throwing knifes she had a chance.

With a deep breath, she focused her energy and channeled her training into her next move. With ferocious power spitting through her body she charged forward as the bowman released his arrow, hitting Rio in her unguarded shoulder. This time the force did nothing to her as she grit her teeth through the pain and dove for the tree line, seizing the opportunity to do so. As she rolled into the bushes, arrow after arrow came for her but they were nothing but blind shots. She learned the rhythm of the archer, the gaps in his attacks. Her brain internally counted it all.

Finally, by chance one hit her helmet, bouncing off without even doing glancing damage. It had ricocheted off a branch. The sound though however would confirm where she was. Jumping to her feet she would jump forward only for a blade to come flying towards her face. Narrowly dropping back she swung her own sword forward for the figure. The assassin parried with lightning speed, their blades clashing in a symphony of steel.

Their duel intensified, the clash of weapons echoing through the shrine. Rio pushed herself to the limits, her every strike fueled by the weight of justice. However, the bowman's agility and precision were unmatched. He could fire even from close range, switch trivially between his sword and bow, and his arrows seemed to find their mark with deadly accuracy, grazing Rio's unarmored gaps.

Rio spun to swing at the mans bow and succeeded as the bow snapped beneath her sword, but in the process the man brought the pommel of his blade into the side of her helmet. Her had rang as blood trickled down her face, obscuring her vision, but she fought through the pain. She couldn't afford to falter now. With a burst of strength, she jumped using her mass to hit the man at the knees, buckling him and taking her to the ground.

The assassin, momentarily caught off guard by Rio's tenacity, faltered for a split second. Seizing the opportunity, Rio executed a series of rapid strikes, forcing a knife into each of his arms. He howled in pain as with a final surge of determination, Rio pushed down on him and drew another knife towards his neck.

"It's over. Surrender now,, she demanded, her gaze unwavering.

The hooded figure, now revealed as a young man with cold eyes, gritted his teeth. Defiance flickered in his expression before yielding to resignation. He nodded, acknowledging his defeat. Rio loosened her grip as she began to stand from her knelt position, only for the man to swing his leg at her knocking her to the ground with a thud as he attempted to grab his sword.

Within a moment the girl had grabbed a knife and thrown it for the man- hitting him in the neck as blood splattered everywhere and he felt to the ground gasping and holding his neck, gurgling.

Breathing heavily, Rio retrieved her pauldron and reattached it to her armor, the pain in her shoulder throbbing with each movement. She glanced at the fallen assassin, now able to see his face. It was Liam from the bar. Knowing that he was merely a piece in a larger puzzle. The real challenge lay ahead. It would seem many of this town worked for Victor. But, why? What did he have over them.

Against the gurgling as he began to go limp, Liam said,

"Save her." before he took his final breath.

Rio retrieved her knives. She would need to retreat from the village for now and seek healing to her injuries. She couldn't trust anyone within and if she didn't recoup before the next big fight she'd stand no chance at stopping the treacherous man who as now after her.