@PaulHaynek@Rezod92@Stern Algorithm@13org

Yang Bethlehem

"That's too much of a high praise." Yang nodded with a smile at Vivian praise. She lucked out on the judges category and no one was too fussy about most of them containing mushroom, if they had been more strict, she doubted she could've won.

Still, a win's a win. Shrugging her shoulders at that she basked in the aftermath.

When asked on where Talia went, Yang looked around to find the cyclops. Come to think of it, she didn't notice her disappearance at all. A tinge of worry came before pushing it away, this was a festival after all. "I'm sure she'll be fine."

The moment those words left her mouth, multiple clacking sounds came around and her hair stood on end as her eyes was drawn to sounds of little objects before Talia words came to her ears.

Instinctively, Yang leapt away before thinking, just as thick black smoke erupted from the bombs that engulfed her comrades. It was only when the sounds of Nero and sounds of a scuffle happened that she took a deep breath, hold it and rushed back in.

It stung her eyes but she tried to reach for where Nero was, yet was unable find purchase as her hands futile grasp around for him. It wasn't until Kira blew the smoke away that Yang opened her eyes and realized Nero was gone.

Talia quickly gave them the rough summation and Yang smacked her hands together. "Ah, I knew I forgot something. The prize!"

Thinking on where would the Kikimora would go, Kira seized the initiative and went to get the members first. Leaving them behind and her quickly deciding.

"Alright then! We'll cut off her off as fast as possible. Those who are too slow, try to inform the guards or Rinas to be on the lookout and lock the port! They might try to leave from a boat if the entrance are closed." Yang decisively acted as she crouched low before sprinting forward like a comet, her legs finding purchase on a stool before leaping upwards on top of the buildings of Boreal port, it's short buildings and the dense area became the perfect foothold for her to jump from rooftop to rooftop.

Moving like a Kunoichi, she cut a straight path that allowed her to reach the town entrance in the shortest time possible. She can only pray that she made it in time.

---

@ShwiggityShwah

Ditzy Stoneclub

Ditzy wandered around the town, feeling like he was in the clouds as he wondered what else fun things he can find or see in this place. The strength competition was the best! He also proved that he was the strongest, or at least, one of the strongest.

Picking a random direction, he moved and shuffled about until he saw a familiar face.

It was the harpy boy, alongside another...harpy owl girl? Were they friends?

Ditzy approached the two steadily, not wanting to take a fall to the ground. It seemed like Ozzy didn't notice him but the owl girl certainly did. Only when he was close enough did he greeted Ozzy.

"Heya Ozzy!" Ditzy raised his hand in excitement, surprising the latter as he turned around to face Ditzy. "Did Ozzy win the smartest competition?"

Now that he was close enough, only did the Owl girl noted Ditzy bigger size, muscle mass, and flat chest. Finally realizing that he wasn't a particularly tall goblin but a hobgoblin due to the mismatched horns. One that was a male despite wearing the traditional goblin garbs of short pants and cloth covering his chest.

The Owl Mage, after seeing the miracle that was Ozzy, now saw another impossibility of a male monster.

"Oh, is Owl girl your friend?" Ditzy turned his attention to the Owl Mage, extending a hand and smile for a handshake. "I'm Ditzy Stoneclub!"

"Also, did Ozzy see the rest of the guild?" He then changed the topic as he asked Ozzy. "Ditzy wanted to see Freyr beat the arrow competition. Freyr shot an apple that someone was holding on their chest before without injuring him, so Freyr definitely should be the best!"

^{@PaulHaynek@Rezod92@Restalaan@Stern Algorithm}

Ada smiled happily as Nero patted her head, agreeing to let her help him to make the food. Even though she didn't know how to cook at all, she could still perform basic tasks. Not only that, but her help also meant that her food would be ready even faster, which was a very good thing!

After the food was finally ready, Nero handed it to her. Finally having the steak she was so eagerly waiting for in front of her, ready for her to eat, Ada didn't make any ceremonies before she began eating it with gusto. Just as she was in the middle of eating it though, someone shouted from afar for them to watch out. Before Ada could turn her head though, smoke went off everywhere, obscuring their view.

Still with a piece of meat hanging in her mouth, Ada looked around, confused and trying to understand what was happening. Nero's voice sounded like he was fighting with someone but due to the smoke, Ada couldn't really locate where he was and due to the surprised exclamations from the people around her. When the smoke finally disappeared, thanks to Kira's wind, the group noticed that despite everyone being fine, Nero had disappeared completely.

Talia, whom apparently was the one who tried to warn them about the smoke, arrived soon after, explaining to them what had happened. According to her words, the one behind such confusion was no one other than the spider lady. The same who almost started a fight with Yang a while ago. Ada listened quietly, finishing to eat her meat while Talia explained to everyone. When it was finished though, Ada looked around, almost as if asking what she should do now. Just as she did that though, she heard Kira saying about her going to find the others, mentioning how she was fast. Initially, Ada approached her, thinking that she could also help her, since she was also very fast, but Kira flew away immediately after she spoke.

When Yang started to explain what they would do, Ada approached her as she spoke about chasing the spider lady. She knew she could catch the spider lady or at least help Yang, so when Yang ran away after the spider woman, she would find Ada following her without much trouble if she looked down from the rooftops.

---

Freyr

Freyr was caught by surprise, flinching a bit as Haley yelled his name, flushing and blushing after what he spoke. Even though she was clearly embarrassed, much like Freyr himself, she was quite serious when she asked if Freyr really liked her. Once again surprised with Haley's sudden question, Freyr didn't know how to react about it, looking away as he blushed too. He wasn't really experienced with that kind of stuff, nor he was the type of person who would open himself and freely talk about his own feelings.

When Haley began talking again though, clearly confessing that she liked him, Freyr became even redder, in what was quite an unexpected sight for someone who was mostly always quiet and composed as he was. Despite how awkwardly he was reacting to Haley's confession, it was clear by his expression, the discreet smile on his face that he wasn't reacting in a bad manner.

Forcing himself to look at Haley when she finished speaking, clearly asking about his own feelings, Freyr took a bit to find the words to speak to Haley.

"I... Since I met you I... was captivated by you, Haley." Freyr said, stumbling on his own words, clearly struggling to voice his own feelings.

"Your bright smile, your happy and cheerful personality, your beauty, how you care about those near you..." he continued.

"You make me feel... lighter... happier, satisfied just by being near you..." Freyr said, looking away for a bit.

"I... Like you, Haley. I didn't know you felt that way for me, I thought you weren't interested, I..." he said, still struggling to find the words he wanted.

"I tried to distance myself because of that... I didn't want to keep trying only to be rejected..." he finished, forcing himself to look at Haley once again, despite how embarrassed he was.

Just after he finished speaking though, being too embarrassed to notice what Sir Reed said before, Kira arrived, interrupting them before Haley could say anything else. While at first Kira asked if she was interrupted something, she quickly continued, telling them how one of the contestants for the cooking show had been kidnapped.

"Uh... We should probably... Leave this conversation for later then... Probably when we are... alone..." He said, trying unsuccessfully to regain his composure.

"I will... go ahead to try and track down whoever did this then..." Freyr said, awkwardly before he dashed away. It was clear for Haley that being interrupted and caught in such an embarrassing conversation by Kira too, other than Sir Reed was too much for Freyr, who was already someone who had troubles with such things.

@PaulHaynek

"Wrong! That is the incorrect answer!"

"WHAT!?" There was no way! He remembered the line itself about the goddess.

"No! There are other gods of the sea besides Poseidon. She just happens to rule most of it."

"That is correct! The last point goes to you, Miss Owl Mage! "

"Those gods still owe fealty to Poseidon so its not-" He bristled and then in a moment of weakness just raised his wings and crossed his arms. "Oh whatever!" He sulked. DANGIT! He almost had this!

"It's Margaret. Margaret Alfstad. And you and I will be spending a lot of time together. A lot. Of. Time."

Ozzy knew her name finally atleast. Her look while predatory claiming him, he found himself suddenly forgetting the defeat. Spending time with Margaret. He raised his hands with a shrug and a cheeky grin. "Deals a deal. I'm all yours." Hopefully it wouldn't be as bad as it was suggested.

And that was that, Ozzy had lost but it wasn't going to be a total loss. He intended to follow her, letting her poke and prod him and hopefully he could engage in a little conversation with her during the festival... however.

"Is there somewhere you want to go, Sir Skyway? You can take me anywhere you like."

Ozzy was wide eyed, taken aback. This already wasn't going like he thought. Maybe her extremeness from before was only a front, and she was a bit more interested in discussion rather then experimentation, each were fun, having their own pros and cons. [color=gold]"Are you hungry Margaret? I c-can call you Margaret right? I was thinking one of those delicious funnel cakes." He made sure to pat his wallet, thank goodness he had some money on him. Maybe just maybe this could be a d-

@Restalaan

"Heya Ozzy! Did Ozzy win the smartest competition?"

The familiar voice caused Ozzy' feathers to switch as he saw the approaching hobgoblin, seeing his form come forward. It brought a smile to Ozzy's face. "Hey Ditzy. I'm afraid not." He held up his hands as if introducing Margaret. "Behold the superior scholar in all her glory." he attempted to flatter. "Hope so. We were just-"

Then Ditzy introduced himself to her and with that Ozzy's smile kind of wavered. He had appreciated the fact that he was special in a few fleeting moments where a bunch of females were clammering for his attention, and now all of a sudden, here comes another one, and already he made a more direct introduction then what Ozzy was able to do. He felt a sudden surprising pang of jealousy and threat. He didn't know why...

"Fraid not. We just finished here. I was going to find them afterwards, but I promised her to show her around. I'm sure Freyr won. The others too. I guess I still have alot to learn." He smiled nervously. "We'll meet up later Ditzy." He wanted a bit of alone time for a conversation.

@PaulHaynek

Kira watched as Freyr sped off into town before turning her attention toward Haley, whose face appeared to be in a similar state of red as Freyr's was. It only took the flygirl three seconds to realize what just happened.

"Confessed your feelings to each other?", Kira commented with a giggle, raising a clawed hand to stop Haley's potential denial. "I'll keep quiet about, but I wanna hear the full story once all of this is over. For now though, I think you should fly around town and see if you can find anything suspicious. Reed, you should go check the docks. Let no stone unturned, as they say. I'll go find the others."

With a supportive wink to the Siren, Kira flew off toward the ports, where the Quiz contest was being held.

@Restalaan (DIT) @ShwiggityShwah

As she approached, she caught sight of Ozzy and Ditzy, along with a female Owl Mage. Again, Kira seemed to have caught the two avian beings in the midst of a conversation, with the male Hobgoblin being the unwitting third wheel.

"Oz! Ditzy! We got a situation! There's been a kidnapping at the cooking contest and we need to act fast if we want to catch the baddies! Also, have you guys seen Bart? I don't think I've seen any sign of him in any of the places I've been."

The Things We Do For Love
~@Restalaan (YNG), @13org (ADA)~

Yang and Ada went to the entrance of the port with almost lightning speed. In mere moments, they were at their destination.

What they found there was a readied wagon filled with various items alongside a bound and gagged Nero who began squirming to get your attention, presumably asking for help. Surrounding the wagon were four Kikimoras, all of whom looked exactly alike making it nigh impossible which one of them participated in the cooking contest.

They all noticed the arrival of the two girls and they all dropped what they were doing to greet the newcomers. "Hmm, it seems I have been caught." One of the Kikimoras uttered.

"I loathe violence, but I fear I may have no choice." Another said, taking a bundle of arnis sticks from the wagon and distributed them to the other Kikimoras, tossing two sticks for each of them.

"This attempt may be farfetched but..." Yet another Kikimora said, catching two sticks with one hand. "May you please leave and never speak of this to anyone? No need for a fight to occur here." She politely asked Yang and Ada.

---

~@13org (FYR), @Stern Algorithm~

Freyr would go to the cooking contest and find Neil along with the Altissima sisters there. "Ah, Freyr! Someone's been kidnapped and Talia said it was a Kikimora." The Viera would be reminded of the Kikimora who competed in the archery contest. "Yang and Ada went to the town entrance to see if they intercept them. Kira went to get you and the others, I guess she already told you, huh? Anyway, me, Sylvia and Vivian will alert the local authorities."

"Hey, Freyr. You're all red, dude. What's up?" Neil asked, noticing Freyr's flushed face.

As soon as Neil asked though, Haley would come land near them. She was also flushed and blushing like Freyr but then did something that could make it worse. The Siren planted a tender, long kiss on the Viera's lips. Neil, and possibly the Altissima sisters, was dumbfounded. "Now we can talk about this later." Sbe gave him a seductive wink. "Alright then, what's with the kidnapping."

Neil was still in shock to answer when a panting Sir Reed arrived. "Hey all, I heard there's trouble. What's up?"

---

~@ShwiggityShwah, @Rezod92, @Restalaan (DIT)~

"Also, did Ozzy see the rest of the guild? Ditzy wanted to see Freyr beat the arrow competition. Freyr shot an apple that someone was holding on their chest before without injuring him, so Freyr definitely should be the best!"

"Fraid not. We just finished here. I was going to find them afterwards, but I promised her to show her around. I'm sure Freyr won. The others too. I guess I still have alot to learn. We'll meet up later Ditzy."

"By the gods, another male monster?" Margaret gazed at Ditzy, immediately figuring out what he was. "Sir Skyway! You didn't tell me that you had other male monsters in your midst! Just what other secrets are you hiding?" She demanded from Ozzy. "Are there other male monsters I should know about?"

"Errr, am I interrupting something? You know what, on second thought, that's not important right now. One of the contestants of the cooking contest has been kidnapped!"

"Oh, dear." The news was shocking, to Margaret at least. "Should we... should we tell someone about this? Like Miss Riñas?"

Other Mentions: @Restalaan

"By the gods, another male monster?" Margaret gazed at Ditzy, immediately figuring out what he was. "Sir Skyway! You didn't tell me that you had other male monsters in your midst! Just what other secrets are you hiding?" She demanded from Ozzy. "Are there other male monsters I should know about?"

Cats out of the bag now, and suddenly the one in a million was just ordinary... Still it was incredible, and he remembered how he marveled at it the first few days he was there, feeling that every discovery was another moment of wonder.

He shrugged and gave a nervous smile. "I was going to bring it up." Honestly they barely got a second, "If you think this is incredible I should show you the guild, Freyr's a male too, a Viera, so double rare. I'll introduce you."

"Oz! Ditzy! We got a situation! There's been a kidnapping at the cooking contest and we need to act fast if we want to catch the baddies! Also, have you guys seen Bart? I don't think I've seen any sign of him in any of the places I've been."

And then a 4TH wheel arrived. Okay, fine. The universe just will not let him have this he guessed. But she brought ill news, and that more or less snapped him out of his own selfishness. "Oh? Kira? Kira!" He waved his wing to get her attention if she didn't see them.

Ozzy gave Kira his undivided attention. "Kidnapping? Oh yeah, that takes priority. Let's go Ditzy, we might need your fists." He flapped his arms and went to the sky. He flew up near Kira. "Haven't seen Bart, is he in trouble? You know what, no time, tell us on the way."

He then remembered. "Margaret! You should come along! You get to see how male monsters and the Guild work together! Heck of a learning experience!" He grinned at her before joining Kira to find out what she knew.

@PaulHaynek@13org@Rezod92@Restalaan

The Altissima sisters agreed with the plans Kira and Yang had set, but for the moment, they were too dumbfounded. "Sir Nero's as strong as Yang, right?" Vivian said incredulously. "How can a Kikimora whisk him a way so easily?" Sure, there were differences when it came to monster girl strength versus human strength, but Vivian didn't know Kikimora to be particularly, strong, but then again, Vivian didn't know kikimora at all.

With the arrival of Haley and Freyr, and the subsequent kiss Haley planted on the Viera, Sylvia grabbed her face and blushed modestly at the public display of affection, while Vivian gave Haley a hearty thumbs up.

To answer Sir Reed, Sylvia re-iterated, "One of the cooking contestants got kidnapped, and we're trying to seal off the fair so they don't get away. Some are heading for the entrance, others are going to the port. I'll try to contact the authorities. If memory serves, Sister Riñas said she was hosting the quiz game, right?" The Liliraune were about to head towards the general area of the quiz contest, when a thought ran through Sylvia's head. Why would the Kikimora kidnap Nero? The only thing she knew about him was that he was a human male, but then, if the kikimora was kidnapping human men...

"Neil, stick close okay? We don't know what the Kikimora wants, but you can't risk you getting kidnapped too." Sylvia requested, though the large vine that went and wrapped around Neil's waist, lifting him into the air like a rag-doll demonstrated that this wasn't really a request. "We'll try to find Sister Riñas so she can alert the authorities, and maybe we'll find Ozzy too."

Wit hNeil in tow, the sisters headed towards the quiz area. If Ozzy and Margaret had wandered too far, they might not run into each other. Regardless, Vivian and Sylvia cupped their mouths and began calling for Sister Riñas, hoping she as still nearby.

The Things We Do For Love
~@Stern Algorithm, @13org (FYR)~

"One of the cooking contestants got kidnapped, and we're trying to seal off the fair so they don't get away. Some are heading for the entrance, others are going to the port. I'll try to contact the authorities. If memory serves, Sister Riñas said she was hosting the quiz game, right?"

"I see. Quite the predicament we have ourselves here." Sir Reed remarked. "Say, who are the ones that went to the entrance?"

"Yang and Ada." Neil quickly answered.

"Right. I'll go and meet up with them. They might need the help. Sir Freyr and Miss Haley should probably come with me too." Reed declared. "You three are gonna try to find the Dark Priest, right? Well then, let's not waste anymore time." The knight then took off to the port's entrance to give aid to the monk and monster.

"Neil, stick close okay? We don't know what the Kikimora wants, but you can't risk you getting kidnapped too. We'll try to find Sister Riñas so she can alert the authorities, and maybe we'll find Ozzy too."

"Don't worry, I'll be care-- Whooaaa!" Neil was startled when the Liliraune's vine wrapped around him and lifted him up in the air. It took moments for him to process what just happened, being suspended in the air and all. "Uhh, uhh, umm..." He stuttered his words, flushed. "I-I-Is this really necessary, you two? Who-who's gonna carry you around?"

Fortunately for the three, the port's denizens were more than happy to point them to Riñas direction. She was found at the port's church. It looked saintly and white, unbefitting of her kind but she was just outside and talking to some other people. A group of four: a human, a Lamia, a Harpy and a Centaur.

When she was called, she immediately reacted. Noting the alarm in the Altissima sisters', she made haste to the three guild members. "Wh-What? What is it?" She quickly asked. "And why is Mister Neil up in the air? Did he do something wrong?" She pointed at the young man held by the Liliraune's vine.

---

~@ShwiggityShwah, @Rezod92, @Restalaan (DIT)~

"Margaret! You should come along! You get to see how male monsters and the Guild work together! Heck of a learning experience!"

Margaret took a large breath in to calm down, returning to her species' well-known stoic and calm nature. "This... is a lot to take in." She said in a quiet tone. "First, a multitude of male monsters. One is an incredible discovery on its own, but an entire group? Unheard of, practically miraculous." She looked at Ozzy and Ditzy. "And now, a kidnapping in this peaceful old port. Does your presence always invite such... excitement?"

"Regardless, we should inform the authorities. Miss Kira, was it? Do you have any specifics regarding this kidnapping?"

^{@PaulHaynek@Rezod92@Restalaan@Stern Algorithm}

The moment Ada and Yang arrived they quickly saw the perpetrators of the kidnapping, who were near a wagon filled with various items, along with Nero, who was gagged and bound, squirming and trying to draw Ada and Yang's attention. Near the wagon, they could see not one, but four spider ladies, exactly like the one Ada saw in the cooking competition. It was almost as if the four of them were clones or at least sisters, which made telling which one of them participated in the cooking competition almost impossible.

Upon realizing that they were discovered, the four kikimoras stopped everything they were doing, grabbing a bunch of long sticks and distributing to each other. Even though they tried to talk, it was clear for Ada, who was already in an attack posture, growling and hissing, that it was impossible to solve that situation without a fight. She wouldn't let them take Nero away, who made such a tasty meat for her and they had already tried to fight with Yang before. Due to what happened, Ada too was a bit against the idea of solving that peacefully. She didn't like the spider ladies, not even one bit.

Ada gave a small glance towards Yang before looking back at the kikimoras, still in the same threatening posture. Ada was waiting merely for Yang's decision before attacking. She was quite certain that Yang was strong, while she knew that she was fast enough to deal with a kikimora if she fought seriously, albeit it would be a bit hard to keep from seriously wounding the spider ladies if Ada did so. Not only that but fighting four at the same time would be really problematic.

---

Freyr

When Freyr arrived where the cooking contest took place, he was still flushed, trying to regain his composure. Upon arriving, both Neil and the Altissima sisters were already there, as the first one began explaining. While he already know that there was a kidnapping but the information that it was a kikimora who did it was new for him.

"I- Uh... It's nothing... Don't worry." He said, hesitating as Neil asked why he was all red.

"A-Anyways... Do you need me to go where Ada and Yang went?" he said, trying to change the subject.

Unfortunately for Freyr, his attempts to change the subject or regain his composure were about to be completely ruined by Haley, who suddenly arrived, landing near them. While at first she said nothing, it was clear for anyone to notice that she was about as embarrassed as Freyr himself. Even if she did nothing, just the air between them, the glances would be enough to tell anyone what was going on. That said, the moment Haley suddenly planted a long and intense kiss on Freyr's lips, catching him by surprise, it became impossible for him to hide what was happening.

Getting even redder than already was, Freyr was surprised by first but he couldn't hide his smile and the happiness in his eyes as he looked at Haley. It was almost strange to see Freyr, who was normally quiet and composed so flushed and looking just like a teenager in love. Even now, despite how embarrassed he was, he was glad by having Haley by his side. He knew that it was going to be hard to keep up with her. Haley was almost like a storm, but he knew well that it was worth it.

"... I-I guess it's no use trying to hide it anymore..." Freyr said, with a dumb smile on his face despite how red and embarrassed he was.

While discreet, it was clear that Freyr was closer to Haley than the usual, even after the kiss. He wanted to embrace her, to show her how much he loved, appreciated her and how thankful he was for her accepting his feelings but not only they had something to do right now but he didn't know if he was going to be able to do so in public.

"Do we... Continue it later?" Freyr asked in a low tone, approaching Haley with an embarrassed expression.

Almost as if calling back to the real world, Sir Reed called his name, saying that he and Haley should accompany him to where Yang and Ada were.

"Ah... Y-yes. We should probably go help them." Freyr said, looking to Sir Reed. Truth be told, even though Freyr knew he had something important to do now, he was happy to know he would be together with Haley.

@PaulHaynek@13org

Yang Bethlehem

Quickly moving through the town, Yang finally reached the entrance of the town and her eyes quickly moved to scan around for their query.

Movement caught at the corner of her eyes brought her full attention, seeing Nero struggling in the hands of the four Kikimora's. Looking at them, they look closely to birds, with the feathers and what not. If it wasn't for those, the clothes they wore would've passed completely as humans.

Approaching them slowly, Yang smiled and inclined her head to them.

"Good day, I see you're taking something that doesn't belong to you." She coyly smiled before doing a curtsy. "It would be much appreciated if you returned it to us."

"Haha! That's indeed a very good request." Yang laughed heartily at her polite declaration, it was such a nice thing. This meant that she can definitely get that fight which was cut off in the middle. "But alas, I'll have to decline your request."

"Besides, I'm feeling peckish since I was unable to stretch my legs against the Ushi-Oni." She licked her lips to wet it, moving into an offensive stance as she "Four of you, all at once?"

"There's no better meal for me." Yang grinned ferociously as she shuffled towards them, not changing her center of balance at all as she got closer in anticipation for a sudden strike. Any opening or opportunity shown, she'll strike in a flash as the two parties were in a tense standoff.

---

@PaulHaynek@ShwiggityShwah@Rezod92

Ditzy Stoneclub

"Nice to meet ya!" Ditzy nodded eagerly even as the two converse on. "Ah, you also miss Magnus! He's a minotaur, but Magnus got stuff to do at home."

Sighing, Ditzy shoulders lowered at that, he missed Magnus and some of the other compatriots that came before him.

Then insect lady Kira showed up and that cheered him immensely as he waved his hand towards her.

Such mood however dissolved when he heard of kidnapping, Ozzy command was also furiously followed with his rigorous nods.

"Okay, Ditzy will find them and beat them up!" Ditzy proclaimed as he raised a fist in the air, still full of energy despite having a day full of activity.

He will follow Ozzy, Margaret and Kira's lead.

"And now, a kidnapping in this peaceful old port. Does your presence always invite such... excitement?"

He grinned a little sheepishly. "Actually- yeah." He would have shrugged if he wasn't already flying. "Maybe the lich had a point when she mentioned the metaphysical improbability it was." She made a good call with informing the authorities and Ozzy laughed a bit. "Trust me, if the Guild is involved, the whole city will know about it."

@PaulHaynek@Restalaan@13org@Rezod92

It was the brightness of Ada that Ozzy managed to spot the wagon, Yang, the Kikimuras, and the bond gentleman in the back of the wagon. Thank goodness for a bird's eye view and stark white contrasts.

Ozzy pointed them out to Ditzy and Kira. "There they are!" He took a quick little stock of the situation. It was Yang and Ada versus what looked like... four clones of fluffy tailed Kikimura all brandishing sticks. Honestly it was very strange, and there were questions abound, and knowing Sensei... she'd probably be very happy with fighting them herself. Still, he can't just sit back.

He used his talons to point out. "Ditzy! Sensei Yang and Ada need help! Kira! Can you carry that bound guy in the back to safety?" He knew he could himself, having the wings to be able to lift but he intended to carry away one of those Kikimura's or atleast one of their weapons from above... even the odds.

If she could take him, Ozzy would dive bomb the Kikimura at the rear, hopefully destroying their morale as Guildmates show up to support Yang. (He'd apologize later)

If she couldn't life the hostage, then he'd switch. Maybe she could help in combat, and he could get the prisoner to safety. He'd be able to grab him by his bindings.

@PaulHaynek @ShwiggityShwah @Restalaan @13org

Ozzy gave Kira his undivided attention. "Kidnapping? Oh yeah, that takes priority. Let's go Ditzy, we might need your fists." He flapped his arms and went to the sky. He flew up near Kira. "Haven't seen Bart, is he in trouble? You know what, no time, tell us on the way."

He then remembered. "Margaret! You should come along! You get to see how male monsters and the Guild work together! Heck of a learning experience!" He grinned at her before joining Kira to find out what she knew.

"Okay, Ditzy will find them and beat them up!" Ditzy proclaimed as he raised a fist in the air, still full of energy despite having a day full of activity.

Margaret took a large breath in to calm down, returning to her species' well-known stoic and calm nature. "This... is a lot to take in." She said in a quiet tone. "First, a multitude of male monsters. One is an incredible discovery on its own, but an entire group? Unheard of, practically miraculous." She looked at Ozzy and Ditzy. "And now, a kidnapping in this peaceful old port. Does your presence always invite such... excitement?"

"Regardless, we should inform the authorities. Miss Kira, was it? Do you have any specifics regarding this kidnapping?"

"All I know is that the grand prize was stolen and one of the contestants, named Nero, was snatched up in the confusion. That's basically the gist of it. I'm willing to bet they're making a break for the main entrance. If you haul it, we may just catch'em.", responded Kira as she took off once more, Ozzy and Margaret flying by her side while Ditzy followed on the ground. Ozzy's words about Bart's unknown whereabouts bothered the flygirl as she was not able to find him in between any of the places she flew to. Just where did the Guildmaster wander off to?

Soon enough, Kira and company had arrived just in time to see Ada and Yang squaring up against a quartet of Kikimoras, with Nero being bound and held hostage in the wagon. As Ozzy gave Ditzy instructions on what to do, Kira mentally went over her own plan.

If Yang and Ada strike first and Ditzy was unable to reach him, then Kira will go straight for Nero and fly him to safety. All the better and faster if Ozzy joined her in this endeavor.

If the Kikimoras strike first, she'll immediately dive down and disperse them with a air shockwave and assist Yang and Ada in fight them off while Ozzy and Ditzy help Nero.

With a plan set, Kira hovered and waited for what came next.

The Things We Do For Love
~@13org (FYR & ADA), @ShwiggityShwah, @Rezod92, @Restalaan (DIT & YNG)~

The Kikimora was taken aback as Yang and Ada's allies trickled in one by one. First was a knight-looking fellow Sir Reed, then the Viera Freyr and the Siren Haley. Then came three fliers, Kira, Ozzy and Margaret. Last to arrive was Ditzy but he was not late at all. On the contrary, he arrived just when the party started.

"A crude kidnapping is a little unrefined for your kind, don't you think?" Margaret told the Kikimora quartet.

"I was given no choice. All other options were exhausted." One of the Kikimoras replied. Their arnis sticks were at the ready, willing to take on the group despite being outnumbered and probably outmatched. "I will not be deterred by numbers or skill or anything. Nero shall be mine!"

Two of the Kikimoras charged at the group. Kira reacted with a dive bomb on their path, intent on releasing a shockwave of air. However, she was suddenly hit with two precisely thrown arnis stick which knocked her out the air. Courtesy of the third Kikimora who stayed behind in the cart. "I got you, Kira!" Haley flew in to catch the falling Beelzebub.

The two Kikimoras continued, unhindered. One of them targeted Yang while the other at Ada. Their maid attire belied their speed and skill, they were fast with their strikes even matching the speeds of Yang and Ada. Sir Reed decided to jump in and help, particularly Ada.

"Worry not, little milky lizard." Sir Reed, a skilled warrior, flawlessly aided Ada with his longsword and put the pressure on that particular Kikimora. "This is foolish! Surrended and maybe we can talk this out!"

Meanwhile, Ozzy made for the bound Nero, landing beside the wagon, but the fourth Kikimora blocked him. "Oh no, you don't." Margaret came to Ozzy's aid. She swung her wing at the maid monster and crackles of lightning sparked and struck the ground of the opponent. The Kikimora evaded and Margaret landed beside Ozzy, but then she was suddenly tackled to the ground by the third Kikimora.

The fourth one advanced with incredible speed at Ozzy, her arnis sticks at the ready.

Riñas was found at the port's church. It looked saintly and white, unbefitting of her kind but she was just outside and talking to some other people. A group of four: a human, a Lamia, a Harpy and a Centaur.

When she was called, she immediately reacted. Noting the alarm in the Altissima sisters', she made haste to the three guild members. "Wh-What? What is it?" She quickly asked. "And why is Mister Neil up in the air? Did he do something wrong?" She pointed at the young man held by the Liliraune's vine.

The Altissima sisters put Neil down. "No, it's not Neil," Sylvia explained, flushed, "I was just keeping him out of reach of the kidnappers. The kikimora participating in the cooking competition kidnapped Sir Nero, and made off with the prize. I came to tell you to raise the alarm to prevent the kidnappers from escaping town."

Vivian's gaze darted towards those near sister Riñas, glossing over the Lamia. "You two seem pretty fast," Vivian said, pointing to the Harpy and the Centaur, "Can you send word to the gates? Most of my friends are heading to the port already, I think."

@PaulHaynek @ShwiggityShwah @Restalaan (DIT)

"GAH!", yelped Kira as she struck midair by one of the Kikimoras. Thankfully, Haley was there to catch the flygirl before she hit the ground.

"I got you, Kira!"

"Thanks for the save....but now I'm pissed!", the Beelzebub exclaimed, freeing herself from the Siren's talons once she shook off the stars in her vision. Just in time to see Ozzy about to be attacked by another Kikimora. Reacting quickly, she flew down low and delivered a flying kick to knock the bird/dog hybrid mamono away.

"Ozzy, help Margaret! Ditzy, get Nero out of here!", Kira stated in a rush before engaging the recovering Kikimora, claws and wind magic at the ready.

@PaulHaynek@Rezod92@ShwiggityShwah@13org

Yang Bethlehem

Yang inched forward before hearing the familiar sounds of their guildmate arriving, prompting a grin as she kept her eyes on them. Not willing to let her attention be distracted, all the while, her feet shuffled forward and closer to them.

Then out of the corner of her eyes, someone moved ahead and hearing the familiar sound of Ozzy had Yang heartbeat jumped.

Before she could intervene, he was already at the coach alongside another...owl harpy? She ignored that for now and the kikimora's moved to intercept at them.

Despite the risky move, it split the fight from two against four to a more two on two scenarios. Still, from the way they move, Yang had no doubt that they're far more superior in fighting together.

So she'll just have to split them apart and leave one to Ada.

"Ada! Take the one of the right!" Yang pointed with a finger as she dashed forward, ground and dirt trailing from her feet as her momentum exploded behind her.

Willing to take a hit, Yang ignored all attacks except those aimed at her head or vitals. Gritting her teeth, it was only a moment before impact that the Kikimora realized her aim.

Slamming body to body and colliding in a crash as both of their breathe was violently expunged out from their lungs, Yang continued with the force and brought the Kikimora down to the ground. It was absolutely unbecoming of a White Tiger disciple to engage in a ground fight but it was also the fastest way to split an opponent apart.

She can only pray that Ada get to the other one as she pressed her elbow and weight down onto the Kikimora chest, further pinning her down and struck her ribs, stomach and body randomly.

---

Ditzy Stoneclub

Ditzy trailed behind even as he tried to move as fast as he can without tripping, knowing if he tumbled, it'll be the end.

What seemed like forever, Ditzy finally arrived at the scene as the sound of fighting grew louder. His finger looked for his sandbag but realized he hadn't brought it along since it was supposed to be a fun outing day.

Ditzy frowned but decided that he shall just beat the baddies all with his bare fist instead, looking and scanning as the situation devolved more into chaos.

That when the fly girl shouted orders to Ditzy, taking a moment to look for Nero until his eyes stopped at the coach. The person named Nero struggling on it before Ditzy nodded furiously at it.

"Okay!" Ditzy went ahead, uncaring of anything or anyone in his path as he made a beeline for the coach. Ready to climb and grab Nero away from danger.

Despite that, Ditzy running speed would be more akin to a fast jog rather than a sprint. Making intercepting him very possible.

The Things We Do For Love
~@13org (FYR & ADA), @ShwiggityShwah, @Rezod92, @Restalaan (DIT & YNG)~

The Kikimora fighting Yang was slammed to the ground by the monk. She was pinned down by Yang's elbow while the other arm struck the monster where it could. The Kikimora grit her teeth in pain but she retaliated by hitting Yang on the temple with an arnis stick that had enough force to take the monk off her.

The two fighters had taken painful hits. Yang was struck multiple times on non-vital parts of her body while she managed to get hits in on the maid monster. The Kikimora spared a momentary glance at the battle and saw Ditzy going for the cart with no one in his way. The Kikimora shifted her attention and threw one of her arnis sticks at the Hobgoblin.

Meanwhile, Kira landed a flying kick on the Kikimora engaging Ozzy. The maid monster recovered quickly and had speed that closed the distance between her and the Beelzebub pretty quickly. She began delivering multiple attacks at Kira, her arnis stick almost a blur.

---

~@Stern Algorithm~

"I was just keeping him out of reach of the kidnappers. The kikimora participating in the cooking competition kidnapped Sir Nero, and made off with the prize. I came to tell you to raise the alarm to prevent the kidnappers from escaping town."

"You two seem pretty fast. Can you send word to the gates? Most of my friends are heading to the port already, I think."

"Err, these people are simple tourists. I think it's better if we get someone more professional." Riñas interjected before anything was done. "You three did well to bring this to me. Now then, to summon the town guard to the port entrance." The Dark Priest then conjured an orb of red light on the palm of her hand. She raised it to the air and the ball launched further up before exploding in a beautiful show of light visible to everyone at Boreal Port.

"Don't worry, the town guard will know what that means." Riñas assured the guild members. "They should be on their way now. Let's hope your fellow members can, at least, keep the kidnappers held up until they arrive." The Dark Priest then sighed. "This is going to be another plate on my table. Say, who did the deed again?"

"A... Kikimora, I believe they're called." Neil answered. "They took someone named Nero."

"Ahhhh, I think I know the parties involved. Seems like she's had enough of being turned down." Riñas mused. A hint of what was truly going on. "Anyway, you three should take it easy for now. We can discuss your compensation once the Kikimora has been apprehended. Now then, I must take my leave and..." She finished the sentence with a sigh and got back to the awaiting tourists. Presumably to get them occupied before handling the kidnapping issue.

Neil shrugged. "I'd say we head to the entrance and help out but, I don't either of us are fighters. We might just get in the way." He said. "Still, the fight might be over right now actually. You two wanna go and check?"

^{@PaulHaynek@Rezod92@Restalaan@Stern Algorithm}

Ada kept watching the situation carefully as Yang talked with the kikimoras. Even though there didn't seem to be other way to solve the situation other than a fight. Luckily for both Yang and Ada, their allies started arriving one by one, making the fight less dangerous. That said, even with the number of guildmates and allies surpassing the spider ladies, they still didn't surrender themselves, still in a fighting position.

With the atmosphere heavy with tension, it was the maid kikimoras who moved first, as the two in front charged at the group, with their strange looking sticks in their hands, ready to attack. Just as Ada was about to get ready to dodge though, she saw Kira diving through the air towards the kikimoras before she was hit by one of those strange sticks and fell, being caught by Haley. With Kira's dive interrupted, the two kikimoras continued on their path towards them, one targeting Yang and the other one, Ada herself.

Yang reacted fast to that, moving to intercept one of them while telling Ada to go after the other one. Even though Ada was really fast, the maid kikimoras still surprised her a bit with their speed. Not only that but they seemed to know how to fight with those strange sticks very well. Something that told Ada that they probably weren't just 'maids' despite their uniform... After all... Maids didn't need to fight that well, did they? Without thinking much more though, Ada was about to pounce on the kikimora, using her claws and teeth.

Thankfully, Sir Reed intercepted the kikimora before Ada could attack, using his sword to pressure the Kikimora that was going for Ada. Due to Sir Reed's intervention, it made Ada think a bit before attacking. Would her new friends from the guild be mad if Ada ended up seriously hurting or even killing one of the strange maids? Even though they were attacking them, Ada wasn't sure if she should go all out... For Ada, due to her claws, talons and teeth, it was a bit hard to avoid seriously wounding someone if she had to fight them... Using the chance Sir Reed gave her, Ada dashed forward, using her claws to try and slash the kikimora maid's arms, trying to avoid any big wound and instead only focusing in trying to scare her and make her feel a bit of pain, enough for her to drop the strange sticks. If possible, Ada didn't want to do anything that could wound the maid kikimoras that much. She didn't know how her new friends from the guild would react if Ada ended up killing one of them and she certainly didn't want to make them mad or be scolded...

---

Freyr

Freyr arrived soon after Sir Reed, together with Haley. It didn't take much evaluation to realize that the fight was about to start. The kikimoras were already armed and in a combat posture, just as Yang and Ada were. Immediately getting his bow, Freyr got ready for the combat, nocking an arrow and pointing towards the Kikimoras. He didn't know why they were so hellbent on kidnapping Nero but he surely wouldn't let them do whatever they wanted.

Kira, who tried to intercept the two kikimoras that were running towards Yang and Ada was hit with the sticks, which interrupted her dive and sent her flying towards the ground. Thankfully, Haley was quick to react and caught her before she hit the ground. Freyr kept his eyes open, ready to intercept any other stick that might be flying towards Haley, who was still helping Kira. Meanwhile, Yang, Sir Reed and Ada were still fighting against the other two kikimoras who charged first. While Ada and Sir Reed seemed to be having an easier time, Yang was in a pretty difficult fight against the kikimora. With both of them having taken multiple hits from one another, they separated from each other for a moment, after both of them taking painful hits. It was on that moment that the kikimora that was fighting against Yang realized that Ozzy was going for the cart to try and help Nero and threw one of her sticks at him.

Moving with agile precision, Freyr let out the arrow he had nocked on his bow, intercepting the stick that the kikimora had thrown on Ditzy, altering it's trajectory enough so it wouldn't hit neither Ditzy nor Nero.

"I will cover you, Ditzy. Just focus on taking Nero somewhere safe!" Freyr yelled as he nocked another bow, taking a glance at Ozzy, Margaret and Kira, who were fighting against the other Kikimora that had engaged Ozzy.

With sharp eyes looking at the ongoing battle, even though Freyr was on the background, he was still a serious threat. Focusing on intercepting any stick that was thrown and if necessary, firing an arrow at the kikimoras that were actively fighting his allies in order to interrupt attacks or even give his allies chances to attack, he was trying his hardest to support his allies from range.

@PaulHaynek

Holy hell, where did these women learn how to fight!?

This was the enlightened thought that passed through Kira's mind as she had underestimated the Kikimora's fighting ability and quickly finding herself on the defensive against her opponent's assault. Her lightning-fast fly reflexes, as well as the chitin armor plating on her arms and legs, saved her from the more brutal attacks, but even so, some of the flygirl's uncovered parts had already been hit, none life-threatening thankfully. While Kira did managed to get a few kicks and claw swipes in, all were glancing blows that did nothing to knock the Kikimora out.

"Cloudburst!", the Beelzebub shouted as she slammed her clawed hand to the ground, causing a shockwave of wind to explode and separate the two combatants a fair distance, giving Kira time to catch her breath as she glared at the maid fighter. "Okay...I gotta ask....Why? Why go through so much trouble, huh? At this point, your escape plan is utterly doomed and the town guard is probably on their way here as we speak. Is Nero really worth all of this drama?"

Things escalated rather quickly...

He figured there would be more of an impact on their surprise but much to his dismay and horror that the Kikamura's knew very much how to hold their own, and the innocent he had invited along had engaged herself with them and it quickly turned on its head.

Ozzy had followed Kira's example as she took up the mantle of leadership and made her dive bombing attack. "An excellent shot!" He called after her before aiming for the wagon with the other kikimura about the nap him. He was going to swope in when a flash of lightening hit his right, "Thank y-RAWRK!" Basically two things happened at once, Margaret was attacked and then so was he! It made him have to go aloft and raise his talons to block the stick.

Kira once again helped him out giving him a moment to breath. He wanted to thank her but his heart and head immediately went to his new companion, Margaret while having magic, couldn't focus with the fox tailed lady atop her. Ozzy immediately tried to remedy that. He took the opportunity to grab at the Kikamura while her focus was on Margaret, talons lashing around her shoulders and then uplifting the both of them with a mighty beat of his wings.

"Seriously! I thought you were nice! Stop this nonsense!" he pleaded attempting to hold the woman a few feet in the air where her arms and hopefully her feet would be indisposed. "Margaret, you okay?" He called out, still focusing on his Kikamura captor.