Kukinta

Ignis -> Jaime -> Hinote -> Kukinta

"The blood of my blood flows within my veins."

To say a dragon is ancient is to paint the dragon as old, pale in wit, color, or unable to defend itself any longer. Neither of these stereotypes match the vibrant Kukinta.

Kukinta's early life is complicated. Her father taught her to hunt and fight early on with her hatchmates. She was born the runt, yet made up for it with her agility. Hinote pushed her further due to size, much to Dokusei's displeasure. Nobody knew why he was so harsh... but he knew.

Hinote's blood bore a dastardly secret.

When the time had come for them to be accepted into new clans, Kukinta was not chosen to leave. This frustrated the youngling to such a degree that it affected her hunting skills greatly as well as her mood. It wasn't until her sour mood left scars on a clanmate, did their leaders urge Hinote to confront his daughter.

To put it short, their tempers spoke before reason did.

Their fangs sank into each other. Kukinta's chest and underbelly had been ripped by her father's own rage. The child had put up a clear fight, although no amount of gifted talent could make up for experience.

He hissed to her, speaking dual tones in the mind of his daughter. A purposeful claw drew blood near the heart as his gaze began to glow red. Such an intense color that no plague eye could compare.

"The blood of my blood flows within your veins, Child. Awaken your inner Beast and let them free Or die weak!"

She cried out in horror, releasing her grip from his form.

The squabble had drawn the attention of her mother, unfortunately.

Dokusei ripped into a protective fury, chastising her mate for attacking their youngling. Wildclaws may have had an honor system, but to attack one so young...!

Hinote's body pulsed with crimson energy, and despite his mate's shrieking, would not relent until she pounced upon him.

When his fangs turned upon the brooding mother, she cried out for Kukinta to run. Hinote hadn't time to give chase as the two mates scrapped each other.

Kukinta only watched a brief moment before her legs moved, overrun with fear. Her father was always so mild-natured and brave.... Even in the brooding teenager phase, never did she think he would launch into a fury...!

---

By the time their clan healers arrived, both of her parents were dead. With only a child's word to describe what happened, most of the clan saw Kukinta as an Omen. To make things worse, trading blood with her father Kickstarted something dormant in her genetics.

Her frail body had healed quickly, despite an adult Wildclaw's near-fatal injuries. Muscles began to ripple to life underneath her feathers. But the most startling, in fact, was the whispers in her mind.

At first, the thoughts were intrusive. They whispered hisses about the leering glances of the clan. It was only when she confided in an elder, did the accusations ring true. Everyone treated her like a disease-ridden rat!

With a heavy heart, Kukinta decided to leave her clan. They thought her ill of the mind! She would train her mind! That would show them she was trustworthy!

---

She meditated under the thunder until it became her heartbeat. The growls being orders from the lightning drake to his children gave her inner strength, despite not frantically working as other flightmates should. She walked every day to this spot to meditate, for the physical chaos best matched the chaos in her mind.

Before long, she began to practice with her body, pitted against the many creatures ready to find quick meals in the desert. They found instead, a quicker end. Her prowess and skill rippled throughout the desert. She became known as a Desert Spirit, a lone dragon who answered to no other dragon or clan.

However, renown comes with its own risks.

A troupe of dragons sought her out. At first, she was reluctant to join them. The whispers of her mind echoed harm upon the guests, though she quelled them easily enough.

These dragons were ambassadors for a clan whom needed to grow their ranks, however few they seemed. Kukinta was reluctant but after urging her, she joined them. It was the only way the voices spoke anymore. She was ready to prove her old family wrong!

---

Clan life here was interesting. A clan more focused on food gathering and trade than to listen to the Stormcatcher's orders. She supposed this was worthy of her claw, as someone needed to feed the flights hard workers. Kukinta found herself constantly traversing what is known to dragonkind as the Mire.

Though she is strong, she is not invincible.

A surprise ambush from more than a few too many Wartoads left her critically wounded and burned. Unable to move without pain, she rest herself amongst the carnage. She'd hoped the smell of blood wouldn't attract curious predators or scavengers looking for a meal.

A cracked branch forced Kukinta upright and at the ready. Fangs exposed with her tail lashing, Kukinta's feathers had also puffed out to appear more threatening.

What had found her, though, was still surprising.

A large imperial in intricate white armor had entered the clearing. Despite his playful green eyes, the leery calculation of a warrior made itself also known.

"You are wounded. Lay down your feathers and relax your mind. I am here to help."

....

The dragon introduced himself as Lucifer, a head amongst the warriors of a budding clan known as the Qo. She heard of the young upstart clan in passing, though a food-driven clan heard of many. While their numbers seemed small, Lucifer held himself in utter confidence that his clan was among the finest.

They shared stories of their clans as she rest, the voices for once, calm. Whatever presence Lucifer held, the taunting violence in the murmurs of her mind dare not challenge it. But she was physically stronger than he! How could he soothe them so?

Lucifer gave her a small plush, and bid her farewell once she healed.

Intrigued, and eager to see Lucifer again, she sought out the Qo.

Her clan was reluctant, though knowing well Kukinta wasn't bound by anything but her own decisions, they allowed her free to go.

And so, clutching plushie in her claw, she set off to find them...

Indeed, the clan was small.

But numbers did not mean much.

The clan head, a Nocturne with love for animals, spoke with Kukinta first. She explained Lucifer had already explained that they may have company, and oddly, Kukinta was delighted to know she left an impression upon the stoic Imperial.

When the two had met again, she saw Lucifer being used as a gym for the most recent set of hatchlings the clan had in their den. A smile crept upon her features, finding the sight both heartwarming and funny.

A longing stirred in her breast briefly, and she clutched the plushie tighter to soothe it.

Michaelina let the two be to talk once more. And although Lucifer was a living gymnasium for the youngsters nearby, this had not hindered nor phased him in the slightest. He explained that he was the clan's negotiator, seeking out young dragons to Adding to their ranks. Hatchlings had always found themselves comfortable with him, so the part set him well.

Well, that explained why he had plushies with him.

"Why did you give me this? I am neither a child nor did you intend to bring me here immediately?"

"But...You needed a friend, didn't you?"

---

Kukinta, a protective lioness, now serves the Qo. She is the guard at the door, so to speak. Whether it be the tunnels they called home in the cliffs, or the current den within Hellwell. If they had business in the clan, they went through her, first.

Though her post isn't just at the door. Kukinta is involved with training dragons in the arts of combat, as well as some parts magic.

She wouldn't forget a kindness given to her by a mere stranger. For years did she keep the plush given to her to Lucifer, as more momento than anything. He has kept her invaluable company though...

Until one day, an ambassador for a fellow Plague clan had been invited to stay there. He smelled... Familiar. They had met before, but where?! Though imperial are a hard breed to read, this one had a growing... Anxiousness about him.

Without thinking, she plucked the old plush from her den and offered it to their stranger. When his confusion was voiced, Kukinta smiled. His whiskers twitched slightly, yet she replied,

"You look like you need a friend."



__Art!__





Art by Minnowbutt

Art by Angusthehunter

Art by Ameknight