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[sub][@PaulHaynek][@Restalaan][@Crowvette][@The Irish Tree][@Enkryption][/sub]

Listening to Ayu's explanation, it seemed that Shizuyama refused to accept the new demon lord coming into power. Going as far as killing or exiling any who were overtaken by demonic energy and transformed into yokai. The strict traditionalism tore apart families and caused conflict among those who once regarded each other as friends. Relationships between humans and yokai within Zipangu had always been rather complicated; Shizuka himself had interacted with several times throughout his life and never really had any issues with them. Save for the more bold ones who wouldn't give up on the flirting. Some people hated them, some settled with them, and others just left them to their devices. What bothered him the most was that there stubbornness may eventually lead to their land's downfall, that and the fact they they didn't need to have enemies in the very people they were trying to save. 

Unfortunately it seemed that no even Ayu knew why then would Kyoko-sama station a taskforce of yokai in order to asset the situation on this island of monster haters. Before Shizuka could ponder on it more, however, he sensed a sudden appearance of demonic energy that didn't belong to anyone he knew. Seeing a bright light flash from the pagoda, soon emerged two more yokai how made their way to the scene. Their physical appearances made even him raise a brow: one was a young woman dressed in western attire. What stood out was the fact that she had mushrooms that seemed to be growing directly out of her clothes, and the strange weapon that emanated a strong demonic force from it. He recognized it immediately as a cursed weapon; he had run into a few of those in his time on the field. Not very pleasant experiences either. 

The other girl, or what he believed to be a girl at least, first appeared at the size of a large mosquito. Despite that, he could her her high-pitched voice clear as day. She claimed to a fairy knight from a great forest in the western lands, and introduced herself as Lillianna. He thought that she bore a resemblance to the Yōsei spirits that sometimes inhabit the mountainous and forested regions. She soon disappeared behind an alleyway, and after a flash of light she reemerged in a standard human size. 

Shizuka really began to wonder who Kyoko-sama really was in order to have such pull to even find all of the people this taskforce was made up of, himself included. Her being some simple noble wasn't adding up. 

Before the girls went away on their quests, he walked up to them for a moment. 

[color=0072bc]"Greetings and welcome to Zipangu. I'm Kannazuki Shizuka, the acting captain of Kyoko-sama's taskforce. Ayu already explained the gist of our current situation; right now the other member are out locating Lord Takeshi's allies in order to aid against the Varjan invaders. Some of them should be returning soon. In the meantime, I'll need to remain here to meet with them and discuss our next plan of action. Good luck on your endeavor and let us know if need assistance with anything."[/color] 

His face turned a bit sour upon hearing Gringor's disapproving remarks at their new allies. 

[color=0072bc]"Gringor-san."[/color] He stated solemnly. [color=0072bc]"Don't be so quick to write them off. You'd do well to be more mindful. The young lady in the top hat has a cursed weapon, something that's dangerous in anyone's hands. And the Yōsei may have various abilities that could render your strength useless. Kyoko-sama was very purposeful in those she chose to join the force, watch them and you mind be surprised at what they can do."[/color]

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[sub][@PaulHaynek][@Restalaan][/sub]

With her defensive spell working in full spring, Atsuha ignored the deflected arrows and turned her attention to the brigands surrounding Hinami. She took special note of the one who was enchanting his blade, which may enable it to bypass the shield. Not taking any chances, she had another spell in the works. She made a fine web, attaching several talismans to it. Jumping out of her spot in the bushes, she attempted to lasso the man with the enchanted blade and the two spearman. The web would be tough to break, given it had the durability of high-grade steel. The ofuda attached along it would dispell magic and drain the targets of their mana. 

Meanwhile, Hinami would attempt to deflect the other swordsman's strike and then proceed to hit him in three places: one on the arm to make him drop his weapon, the second in his gut to stun him further, and the last strike would be right upside his head to induce unconsciousness. 

Atsuha didn't sense Skarsneek's mana depleting, so she would assume that he was still alright. Dealing with this these thugs shouldn't be too hard after all.