Shahira & To-Shong, Runaway Princess and Her Draconic Hero
FireHeart was created by DragonPhoReal, it can be read on GlobalComix, Webtoon, NamiComi, and Pixiv
Welcome back to the blog! Been a while since I've done a duo blog. This should be way more straightforward than Chuck & Clark at least lol. Enjoy!
Background
"It doesn't matter what the past was, Shahira. We Make our own future, no matter the path before or ahead."
"Thank you, To-Shong. I needed to hear that."
Centuries ago, the evil dragon god Shenyongo obliterated the sun and sent dragons to desecrate the ancient kingdoms. Taking pity on the mortals, the gods entrusted a few elves with their forbearers' lost secrets of magic. These heroes fought back against dragons and reclaimed last great mana tree to keep healing magic alive. These elves formed the kingdom Aluria, protecting the world in eternal night for hundreds of years.
Dragons still roam the world to pillage gold and slaughter innocent people, but the elves, knights, and mercenaries are qualified enough to take them on. Overall, the world is as peaceful as it can get. However, according to Princess Shahira, that peace won't last long.
Shahira is the elvish princess of Aluria, who has been underestimated most of her life. Hailing from a lineage of healers, she had a strict routine of learning magic. While she became well-educated in magic, she was unfortunately born with a low mana capacity so she can't cast magic as efficiently as everyone else. This led to her being bullied and seeing herself as useless.
Since her 16th birthday, Shahira started having the same recurring nightmare about Shenyongo's return and darkness consuming her people everything she holds dear. Despite her low self-esteem, she knew she couldn't keep quiet and told her parents about it. Strangely afterwards her mom suddenly turned uncharacteristically reclusive, eventually becoming gravely ill.
When Shahira fell asleep again, her dream changed with a hero with crimson sword fighting back. This convinces her that her dreams are prophetic. Too bad her dad thinks she's just chasing fantasies, so she decides to flee her kingdom to search for her hero wielding a red blade.
Keeping her identity under wraps, her travels would lead her to a town that's been terrorized by a dragon. There she meets To-Shong, a traveling elven mercenary who prides himself as a dragon hunter. He has an unfriendly lone wolf demeanor, a strikingly mysterious magic amulet and red ring, and a red sword just like the one in Shahira's dreams… While he and the town's resident warriors venture off to take down the dragon, Shahira stops them to request to assist them with her magic.
He mostly does jobs to earn money and turns a blind eye at trouble he isn't involved with, but compared to the knights of today he's a saint. The so-called heroes of this world are nothing more than glory-hogging cowards who will stoop to immoral lows to be known as saviors. This is best represented when the group reaches the dragon's cave and To-Shong's allies turn on them to loot the dragon's gold horde. On top of that, they finally recognize Shahira and intend to turn her in for a bounty.
When the dragon arises and interferes with their squabble, it's revealed that when To-Shong removes his ring, he can turn into a dragon! While she's shocked that the hero she's searching for may be a dragon, the princess puts that aside to join him in slaying the dragon. Upon killing it, To-Shong's seemingly absorbs the dragon's soul.
After recovering from their battle, Shahira begs To-Shong to join her in her quest to save the world from her vision's future. To-Shong is initially unwilling to accompany her, only relenting after she holds his amulet hostage. Thus, the two start questing together—their first goal being to obtain a rare book Shahira's mother desperately wanted that details secrets of eternal night that could give context to the visions. It also seemingly has info on To-Shong's amulet, which he isn't giving her any details about.
To-Shong's history is mostly kept hidden from Shahira for the duration of their adventure, but bits and pieces of his tragic past appear in flashbacks. When he was a child, To-Shong was destined to inherit the red blade that has been passed down in his family for generations. His family also possessed the mysterious amulet. At his current age, he was often viewed as a burden by his community. Still, he was really close with his sister Sarah.
Something in the amulet suddenly awakened, which led to Sarah being chosen to make a pilgrimage. The details following that are unknown, but the result is his people desecrated at the hands of Shenyongo and his armada of dragons. Critically injured, Sarah gave the amulet to To-Shong, instructing him to run and not let it fall into wrong hands.
Not much is known afterwards. He took on being a mercenary since he was eight years-old and is searching for a mysterious blue dragon, along with a red and white dragon. Apparently Sarah is trapped inside the amulet, along with seemingly thousands of souls, but there isn't enough information about that available. It's unknown how he gained his dragon transforming abilities, but he seems to still be tied to Shenyongo.
There's an evil presence inside the amulet, which Shahira immediately sensed when she touched it. The amulet also causes To-Shong to have terrible nightmares, crying in his sleep where he shouts the accursed dragon's name. She can't imagine why To-Shong would keep something that causes him so much stress, but all the answers he gives is that it's complicated. When Shenyongo's force pursues To-Shong, Shahira's magic seemingly repels him from reaching him.
Shahira and To-Shong's quest leads them to escaping clutches of magic assassins, Alurian elves sent by father to retrieve her, and fighting more dragons. Their greatest adversaries are the Lion's Guard, a corrupt and technologically advanced guild that took credit for To-Shong's good deeds. Their leader is tied to Shahira's visions as potentially corruptible by possibly Shenyongo. As their influence expands, so does the danger they pose.
For a while, the duo's relationship is bumpy. To-Shong is more closed off compared to Shahira, and he doesn't want to get entangled with Alurian monarchy more than he is right now. There were times To-Shong could've turned her in for a bounty but didn't, as he's simply opposed to dishonorable actions. Over time To-Shong comes around to Shahira's caring nature, glad to not be alone anymore.
In turn, To-Shong helps Shahira become more confident in her magic, as he's the first to ever compliment it. She worries she'll get in the dragon slayer's way, but as she spends more time with him she wants to prove her worth her father doesn't see in her.
They still butt heads at times, as he doesn't totally believe her visions, but if she's in trouble, he's more than motivated to help her. There even seem to be sparks between them!
As they journey, the duo are exposed to a history that's been kept under wraps for generations. Despite being feared and responsible for the awful state of world, dragons used to be revered like gods and Shenyongo's reign of terror may have played out differently than what's publicly known. More mysteries build up like a forgotten religious symbol To-Shong's amulet reacts to, secret temples dedicated to a blue dragon, more murals of a blue dragon being revered.
When they finally obtain the tome they've been searching for, Shahira is met with even more questions when it's revealed the amulet is known as the Eye of Shenyongo, referencing curses, seals, and consuming souls. To-Shong is still tight-lipped about it, but he might not stay that way for long now that a certain blue dragon has been freed from being sealed…
Experience and Skill
The duo have dealt with magic assassins, dragons, basilisks, Alurian soldiers, and repeated run-ins with the corrupt Lion's Guard's knights. To-Shong had plenty of fighting experience previously, making a name for himself as a dragon slayer.
Despite her low aptitude in magic, Shahira has been studying magic since she was little. She's also really good at bargaining and persuasion, utilizing perception to details and appealing to emotion to get her way. In the heat of the moment, she convinced Sir Gabriel to spare both of them and take credit for victory instead of outright murdering them
The duo have dealt with magic assassins, dragons, basilisks, Alurian soldiers, and repeated run-ins with the corrupt Lion's Guard's knights. To-Shong had plenty of fighting experience previously, making a name for himself as a dragon slayer.
Despite her low aptitude in magic, Shahira has been studying magic since she was little. She's also really good at bargaining and persuasion, utilizing perception to details and appealing to emotion to get her way. In the heat of the moment, she convinced Sir Gabriel to spare both of them and take credit for victory instead of outright murdering them
Shahira's Equipment
Mana Bottles
Shahira's magic drains quickly, so it's imperative to have a few on hand.
Shahira's magic drains quickly, so it's imperative to have a few on hand.
To-Shong's Equipment
Red Blade
A mysterious red sword that has been passed down in his family across generations. Its sharpness and durability are impressive, though it's unknown how it was forged.
A mysterious red sword that has been passed down in his family across generations. Its sharpness and durability are impressive, though it's unknown how it was forged.
Eye of Shenyongo
A powerful amulet seemingly directly tied to the evil dragon god Shenyongo. Anyone who touches it senses Shenyongo's presence. It sports a variety of uses including:- Tracking leftover mana
- Mana absorption
- Soul absorption (Only occurs only once a dragon takes fatal damage, though that doesn't explain how Sarah supposedly became trapped in it. When the amulet was cracked, it seemingly unleashed thousands of souls.)
- When using mana while holding the amulet, it can temporarily turn people into berserk monsters
- The amulet reacts to a specific religious symbol to open secret entrances
A powerful amulet seemingly directly tied to the evil dragon god Shenyongo. Anyone who touches it senses Shenyongo's presence. It sports a variety of uses including:
- Tracking leftover mana
- Mana absorption
- Soul absorption (Only occurs only once a dragon takes fatal damage, though that doesn't explain how Sarah supposedly became trapped in it. When the amulet was cracked, it seemingly unleashed thousands of souls.)
- When using mana while holding the amulet, it can temporarily turn people into berserk monsters
- The amulet reacts to a specific religious symbol to open secret entrances
Red Ring
Without his ring, he can't maintain his elven form and turns into a dragon. I'll go over hat form's uses in the abilities section.
Without his ring, he can't maintain his elven form and turns into a dragon. I'll go over hat form's uses in the abilities section.
Armor
While it has a tendency to break during transformation, it's essential for a dragon slayer to wear extra protection.
While it has a tendency to break during transformation, it's essential for a dragon slayer to wear extra protection.
Shahira's Abilities
Magic
Spells are based on mana. Without mana, one can't cast spells without recharging. She has naturally lower mana reserves, but there are usually things in the environment that can help her recharge mana beyond her bottle like mana shrooms.
Spells are based on mana. Without mana, one can't cast spells without recharging. She has naturally lower mana reserves, but there are usually things in the environment that can help her recharge mana beyond her bottle like mana shrooms.
Fire Manipulation
Shahira is well-versed in fire magic. She can shoot huge flames or summon a smaller flicker to light up an area. To steer clear of mana draining, she can boost her fire magic through already lit flames.
Shahira is well-versed in fire magic. She can shoot huge flames or summon a smaller flicker to light up an area. To steer clear of mana draining, she can boost her fire magic through already lit flames.
Healing
As a member of Alurian royalty, healing magic is her main specialty. It's potent enough to heal an impale to the chest.
As a member of Alurian royalty, healing magic is her main specialty. It's potent enough to heal an impale to the chest.
Clairvoyance and Precognition
Shahira repeatedly receives visions of the past and future independent of her nightmares. They help her seek hidden knowledge and prepare for fated events. The downside is that no one believes her. Her visions have been situationally useful previously, like when she saw into the past to see how a maid’s son went missing in portions.
Shahira repeatedly receives visions of the past and future independent of her nightmares. They help her seek hidden knowledge and prepare for fated events. The downside is that no one believes her. Her visions have been situationally useful previously, like when she saw into the past to see how a maid’s son went missing in portions.
Ice Manipulation
She can freeze foes with her blizzard spell.
She can freeze foes with her blizzard spell.
Possibly Warding
There seems to be other applications of her visions that have yet to be explained, namely the blue aura surrounding her when visions happen. At one point her aura reacted to an object in a hidden shrine and she was entranced. To-Shong touching her rendered him the same. When Shenyongo caught up to them, the blue aura surrounding both seemed to ward him off.
There seems to be other applications of her visions that have yet to be explained, namely the blue aura surrounding her when visions happen. At one point her aura reacted to an object in a hidden shrine and she was entranced. To-Shong touching her rendered him the same. When Shenyongo caught up to them, the blue aura surrounding both seemed to ward him off.
Change Spell
A simple disguise spell that alters her clothes. She needs to eat to maintain the spell.
A simple disguise spell that alters her clothes. She needs to eat to maintain the spell.
To-Shong's Abilities
Dragon Form
While the origins of this form are unknown, whenever To-Shong removes his ring he turns into a dragon. His body is still humanlike, so he can still wield his sword in this state. Let's go over the abilities this form sports.
While the origins of this form are unknown, whenever To-Shong removes his ring he turns into a dragon. His body is still humanlike, so he can still wield his sword in this state. Let's go over the abilities this form sports.
Fire Manipulation
Upon transforming, the first thing To-Shong usually does is breathe fire since no one expects a human to suddenly turn into a dragon.
Upon transforming, the first thing To-Shong usually does is breathe fire since no one expects a human to suddenly turn into a dragon.
Body Armor
Scales are tougher than skin, them's the breaks.
Scales are tougher than skin, them's the breaks.
Flight
What else would he use those wings for?
What else would he use those wings for?
Limited Madness Manipulation
Excess dragon's mana causes animals to turn more violent and feral. Wolves are the most affected by this.
Excess dragon's mana causes animals to turn more violent and feral. Wolves are the most affected by this.
Techniques
Raining Fire
The duo currently only has one combo move called Raining Fire. After To-Shong distracts a foe with fire-breath, Shahira rains down four fireballs when their guard is down.
The duo currently only has one combo move called Raining Fire. After To-Shong distracts a foe with fire-breath, Shahira rains down four fireballs when their guard is down.
Feats
Overall
- Shahira saved To-Shong from shadow assassins
- To-Shong the dragon Zogth, even though Sir Gabriel got all the credit
- To-Shong helped Shahira get away from the Alurian elves pursuing her, helping her get close to Serpent’s Tail in the process
- They saved a bunch of villagers kidnapped by a basilisk. To-Shong wasn’t credited for killing it though
Strength
Shahira
To-Shong
Speed
Shahira
To-Shong
Durability
Shahira
To-Shong
Scaling
Dragons
At the moment, Shahira and To-Shong don't scale to the sun-destroying Shenyongo or the myserious blue dragon that just showed up. Still, they've fought a few dragons with notable feats.
Weaknesses
Shahira
- Spells use up mana
- Ever since she was a baby, her body has never been able to produce or conserve mana as efficiently as everyone else. Even now she can’t cast simple spells without draining a lot of her mana
- Has an irrational hatred of mushrooms
To-Shong
- Armor has a habit of breaking off once he goes full dragon mode
- To-Shong is a lone wolf by nature, it usually takes some convincing for him involve himself in others' affairs. If Shahira isn't goading him to help, he usually minds his own business
Matchup Potential
There's still much of their story left to cover, but I can see this elf-dragon duo being fun in VS already. Both have neat movesets on their own, and as the series goes on their teamwork really shows. I feel like they'd probably have a cool matchup in a JRPG, but I have no clue who would be the best fit.
NEXT TIME ON WCAB… whenever I feel like it
No comments:
Post a Comment