---

Given her constitution, Eula didn't sleep so much as she went into a voluntary coma for a few hours. While she could normally stay awake 24/7 for eternity, her repair functions performed better when they were the sole remaining active module. The damage to her arm from the glass sword had been extensive enough to sever some circuits, needing mending that no cleric could provide. Small tools inside of her fixed what was possible in six hours, giving her most of the strength and control she'd need back to her arm. The actual stun-blast weapon however was still offline. ...Perhaps, she'd need to consult an engineer. But did anywhere in Zipangu have engineers?

She'd have to investigate later, or ask Ayu. For now, her primary concern was assisting more of the villagers in whatever capacity she could offer. She would give her arm a few test swings out of sight, comparing its speed to her uninjured arm. "Combat functionality has returned to 84%. Emergency repair function temporarily halted," she mused, taking a few test jabs at the air. She was good to go, and ready to help. Taking a stroll through the town's streets, she thought to ask Shizuka if he needed assistance with anything, but it seemed that he was going to be training a few of the Task Force Members for the time being.



This was an important task in Eula's mind. Battles could always be won but...taking care of civilians took priority. Nodding, Eula would say: "I will go check on Honoka then. Yabo...I believe I know the way. Have a good day ma'am," the automaton would say before beginning her trip to where Honoka's abode was supposed to be.

"...I hope that the others' training goes well."

"Sorry, miss. But this is far as I can take you. Shizuyama's been blockaded by Varjan ships. Whole island's surrounded and effectively cut off. Still, not really sure why you wanna head to that island. Place is as anti-monster as they get. Although I guess if you wanna do something about it, I heard the mistress of this island, an Inari named Lady Kyouko, has plans."

Relica's boat ride for Shizuyama was cut short and she was dropped in Otomo Port in the island of Akamagaseki. Strangely, the port had numerous ships docked upon it. All armed for war, full of supplies and weapons and equipment. There were also soldiers and sailors in the port, both man and monster. They were making plenty of preparations, talking to each other about plans and checking the armaments on the ships. The Gremlin might be familiar with the sight, being a war veteran and all.

A figure stood out from everyone else, an Inari monster with snow-white hair and skin and wore light blue clothes. Her aura exuded authority and desperation, but her face softened upon seeing Relica.

"Hello there, Miss Gremlin!" She happily greeted Relica. "We don't get many visitors here in Akamagaseki, and I'm afraid you caught us in a very... busy time. A-Anyway, welcome to the island. I am Lady Kyouko and please feel free to tell me what you seek here."

---

Eula traveled to Honoka's home, near the Yabo area. Trekking through the dirt roads of Onrai, the Automaton would occasionally spot Varjan patrols in other, distant roads. They were too far away to matter though and they didn't even seem to see Eula. Still, it was a bad sign that the Varjans were spreading quickly across Shizuyama.

The Automaton reached her destination, a lone wooden house situated in the grasslands but near a forest. The home had clearly seen better days, the foundations were barely holding on and the sliding doors' sheet coverings were full of holes. It also seemed barren, barely any usable supplies as far as Eula could see. Empty baskets lie scattered on the corners.

On the porch was a villager woman kneeling down. She seemed alone, so she was probably Honoka. "...A visitor? In the middle of an invasion?" She said upon seeing Eula. "You don't look like a Varjan. Who are you?"

---

(Currently in collab)

---

Takeshi watched as Eula went out to help another beleaguered local. He contemplated joining her to keep his mind off from what happened with his peers last night. But he decided against it, perhaps Eula took that mission alone willfully.

After feeding his horse, Takeshi wandered around until he met with a monk who was staring off the distance. Particularly at the direction of the nearby hot springs.

"I think the Varjans are afraid of our hot springs, Lord Oja. They avoid them."
"Perhaps they don't like the smell of sulfur... or they're afraid that taking a bath will make them sick."
"Let's hope they stay afraid, my lord. If any warrior is going to gain strength from Shizuyama's hot springs... it should be you and your taskforce."
"I don't exactly lead the taskforce nor did I form them, but I can't argue with your point."

---

---

---

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

---

"Not like I expected you to try blockade-running with this tub, captain. You take care now, you and your crew ain't half bad, as far as sea-rats go." The little green lady asid, as a farewell, to the man and his crew who had ferried her so far from home. With a nonchalant, over-the-shoulder wave, she began her disembark onto the strange, unfamiliar and foreign island of the far east.

Pulling a seemingly huge desk behind her, using the flexible and powerful mechanical arms from her backpack, the gremlin strolled onto Otomo port. Looking around, she could definetely tell that this was a very different place than her own. Everything was a lot more... Rustic then what she was used to. No automated cranes, no steam-powered engines, no trams or locomotives... It looked like a piece out of historical drama, about some olden medieval place... Except she was here. In the now., And it was like this. Oh boy...

Her trek through the port was cut short though. An unfamiliar face with an air of importance suddenly called out to, and approached, the little visitor. Sizing the other monster up, from head to toe, Relica allowed her mechanical arms to release the luggage she was pulling behind herself, and offered a sloppy salute with one of the aforementioned appendages.

"Relica Rune Nox-Umbra, Combat Engineer of the Grelden Mechanized Battle Corps." She said in a serious tone, before completely releaxing her stance and posture and looking annoyed. "... And that's the only time I'll ever do that, so be grateful you got to see it. 'Sides, if you're the same Kyouko who sent out that request for backu from other Monster Nations, it ain't really a question about what I'm seeking, now is it, Miss Fuzzy-Tail?" The gremlin sneered a bit at the end of her reply, finding it amusing that anyone would think that someone would come to this ass-end of the world and be looking for somehting. "I'm here seeking a certain Lady Kyouko of Shizuyama, 'cuz that's who my superiors assigned me to come and help. So, you that Kyouko? Or is that just a common name 'round these parts?" The Gremlin finalized, folding her arms under her busom while awaiting a reply.

Terauchi Temple
_{@PaulHaynek @Restalaan(Skars) @Hammerman @Nakushita}

---

The Hangai sisters we're up bright and early, after freshening up they had a nice breakfast to start the day. However, Atsuha that something was off about her sibling. She didn't eat as much as she normally does, and she was rather restless. Of course, Hinami assured her that she was fine when pressed on the matter. But, of course, she could hide anything from her older sister.

"...The seal. It's weakening." Atsuha said plainly.

"Sister, what are we to do? I don't want...I can't go back to being that again...!" Hinami sounded as if she was going to break down. "Everything will be fine, I already told you!" She said, quickly trying to calm her down. "I'll die before I let you lose yourself."

That was easier said than done. As she already knew the moment she imbued it that night, the seal placed on Hinami was just putting a band-aid on the wound. Several thoughts were spiraling in her mind at this moment, until one stuck out. Yurine, the Death Keeper! It was just a loose hunch at best, but based on what Lord Takeshi informed them of she may now how to quell raging souls. Atsuha noticed that Skarsneek was standing at the main plaza, waiting on the sisters. Her numerous legs running up to him, she quickly grabbed him by the arm. "Come with me, lover!" She said, practically pulling him off his feet.

She saw that the young lord was taking with a monk, overlooking the nearby springs. "Not thinking of taking a dip this early, are you my lord?" She said, greeting Takeshi. "Takeshi-san, I request your aid. For...reasons, my sister and I wish to seek out Yurine the Death Keeper. Would you be so kind as to lend us your guidance on the journey?" She then looked at the goblin she had dangling at her side.

"Oh, and Skars-kun will be coming along with us as well."

---

Training Space
_{@PaulHaynek @Enkryption @The Irish Tree (Lili) @Restalaan (Gringor) @Crowvette @Rezod92}

---

Off deeper within the temple grounds laid a distorted space. Appearing as a large, pale orb of haze, the inside was completely separated from the rest of the world. There, a decent number of the taskforce members where in training, being led by their captain.

~ Currently in Collab ~

@AzureKnight@PaulHaynek

Skarsneek of the Red Hill

Standing around the plaza as he relaxed himself, Skarsneek kept eyes and ears out for any information he can find.

Though a familiar skittering had him smiling and turned, that quickly changed as he noticed the unusually serious look of his wife and sister.

Being dragged off quite forcefully, Skarsneek had to double his steps if due to the rapid speed and long legs of Atsuha. He then turned to Hinami and quickly inquired. "What's wrong?"

In between receiving his answer, Atsuha finally stopped as they came by Takeshi and a monk. The two looking at a hot spring.

Come to think of it, he never been in Shizuyama hot spring until now. A lecherous thought came and snickered, it'll certainly be a good place for a quick coitus-

"Hey, young master." Skarsneek shook that thought away when he heard his name being mentioned. Looks like they have to find this Yurine the Death Keeper.

Honestly with a title like that, it was not an auspicious title. He wagered that it hides some really nasty things, if his experience with necromancers and undead was to be believed. "If she joins, try to make sure she doesn't kill Io or try to put her to an early grave a second time."

"Get it?" He then snickered.

@Crowvette
@The Irish Tree
@PaulHaynek
@AzureKnight
@Restalaan

When Liliane summoned a cow to break up the fight, Lunatea could watch in befuddled silence. No, really, she was out of words to describe what just happened. She opened her mouth, ready to say something, but quickly closed it back.

No, it's not… it's not worth it… She shook her head.

"I may be able to produce scrolls that can let duels take place without causing lasting injury to either side. It could be good for us to understand how each other fights." Io spoke up suddenly. "But it is not the time nor place to do so." She added, giving the few 'voice of reason' Task Force members a slight nod.

"That would be useful," Lunatea replied with a similar nod. "Clearly, we'll need a full bundle of those, knowing just how… hot-tempered some of us could be." She glanced at the guilty party before rolling her eyes.

After her dinner, the wererabbit retreated to her futon in the barracks and began writing down in her notepads. She had a lot of things to jot down if she were to publish a book about this island one day. With her stomach pressed to the futon, and her legs swinging up and down, the scholar started her records.

Naturally, her dress quickly rode up in the process, showing off her cute butt and black panties to any onlookers nearby.

In fact, for the rest of the night, as she fell asleep, the dress and panties worked overtime to show off her assets. They knew how much their mistress desired a mate and so they reacted appropriately.

ᅠ

The next morning, Lunatea woke up with a yawn and a stretch. Sleeping on a thin mattress like that (she believed they called it a "futon") wasn't that good for her back. Still, it was nothing she couldn't handle.

After having her breakfast, she decided to take a short walk around the shrine. It was when she saw Takeshi, along with the Hangai Sisters and Skarsneek.

Hmm? What are they doing over there, gathering like that?

Walking up to them, she gave them all a greeting.

"Good morning," she said with her usual formal manner, eyeing every one of them. "Is something the matter?"

She still remembered what happened yesterday and wondered if that little drama had resumed.

Placing her hands on her hip, she said, "If you guys aren't going anywhere, I'm actually thinking of traveling around to visit the nearby settlements and shrines. Part of my research into this island."

"I'm here seeking a certain Lady Kyouko of Shizuyama, 'cuz that's who my superiors assigned me to come and help. So, you that Kyouko? Or is that just a common name 'round these parts?"

"Hehe, you are quite the feisty Gremlin, aren't you?" Lady Kyouko giggled in amusement at Relica's response and attitude. "Still, I am glad that mighty Grelden sent forth a resourceful and knowledgeable Gremlin to our aid, especially with an advanced Automaton amongst our ranks. Thank you for coming, Miss Nox-Umbra." She bowed to Relica.

"Come, follow me." Lady Kyouko began leading Relica from the port and towards a small hill further inland, situated near the village. The Gremlin could see the makings of an estate on the hill, all the while being briefed by the Inari. "I must admit, you are pretty late. The main taskforce has already left for Shizuyama on a ship way before the Varjan armada blockaded the island. Right now, the only way I can send reinforcements there is through an exhausting teleport spell to an exit point in a place called Terauchi Temple. The temple is my secret base in Shizuyama, where my human spies reside in. Now, I am told that it's where the taskforce is based on... as well as a safe haven for any Shizuyama refugees."

"Once your teleported there, acquaint yourself with the taskforce and begin helping the people of Shizuyama fight off the Varjans. Or at the very least, help them survive." Lady Kyouko continued. "My main spy there is a woman named Ayu. She'll be most likely the first there to welcome you. But there is another important person there: Takeshi Oja. Please, I ask that you take care of him and his father."

Relica and Kyouko soon reached the estate and the latter bid the former to head inside. The courtyard was spacious, with a large stone platform in the middle. A robed and hooded figure emerged from the building to greet the two. Her appearance might be obscured, but Relica could feel immense power emanating from this figure.

The Gremlin was placed in the middle of the platform. "Now then, stand still. This'll only take a second." Lady Kyouko and the hooded figure glowed with magical power, and Relica's vision went white.

---

"Takeshi-san, I request your aid. For...reasons, my sister and I wish to seek out Yurine the Death Keeper. Would you be so kind as to lend us your guidance on the journey?"

"If she joins, try to make sure she doesn't kill Io or try to put her to an early grave a second time."

"Of course! I'd be happy to accompany you to seek out Yurine." Takeshi replied before bowing at the monk to end that conversation. "Although, might I remind you that we actually need to seek them out so we can rescue my father. Any other reasons for seeking them out should come secondary." The young lord appreciated the taskforce helping the people of Shizuyama, but it's been a while since they looked for one of the people he asked them to look for.

"And don't worry, I can explain to Yurine not to hurt any of you nor bother Io about her undeath. Y'know, as much as possible." He assured Skarsneek.

"If you guys aren't going anywhere, I'm actually thinking of traveling around to visit the nearby settlements and shrines. Part of my research into this island."

"We're actually heading out to look for Yurine." Takeshi answered the Wererabbit before voicing his concern. "I won't stop you from exploring the island, but you do realize we're in the middle of an invasion, right? Even if the settlements and shrines around here are still intact, traveling to them will probably get you a bad encounter with the Varjans. You may be a yokai, but I think it's too dangerous to be just roaming around."

"Why don't you come with us? You can go sightseeing while on the way." He offered to Lunatea. It would also be quite convenient for him since he could keep watch of the yokai and make sure they don't get into any trouble.

But before anyone could respond, a flash of light came from the pagoda where new arrivals get teleported to. Curious, Takeshi decided to be the one to greet before Ayu. "Another yokai...?" He led the group to the pagoda and went inside.

Relica's vision returned to clarity and found herself in an empty wood chamber with Zipanguese shrines and statuettes on one side and a row of doors on its opposite end. And those doors opened to reveal a human man and several monsters. "Hm, greetings yokai. Welcome to Shizuyama." He said to the Gremlin. "I assume you're here to join the taskforce of the enigmatic Lady Kyouko. Well met then, I am Takeshi Oja. Son of Hideo Oja, the island's Lord."

Looking at Relica's relatively diminutive size, Takeshi decided to take a guess. "You are a... Dwarf?"

---

(Currently in collab)

---

---

---

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

---

Relica didn't say anything in particular when the inari began her little gratitude-spiel. Other than a snarky, snorting snort when the mention of her 'mighty' nation was brought up, and a single twitch of her ears when she was called 'resourceful and knowledgeable', the gremlin really didn't make much of any noise. She followed behind the (seemingly?) high-born fox-lady in a dutiful manner, pulling her luggage along behind her. She listened with, what one would hope, was interest and concentration to what the much taller monster was saying. Though, to be truthful, Relica found the explanation a bit on brief and corner-cutting side - usually, she prefered to have a bit more details about things before she jumped into them, especially when it imvolved, y'know, fighting a war.

"I do live on the other side of the world, after all." Was the only thing the gremlin said that was of any real response, when the inari commented on her belated arrival.

She did seem to be somewhat impressed by Kyouko's (supposed?) home though. Looking around with cruious eyes at the foreign and intricate architecture and design. She looked far more apprehensive when a sudden mysterious robed figure suddenly emerged. And while Relica herself had no magical power of her own - or at least not any that was worht mentioning -- she somehow could tell that this hooded stranger was a particularly powerful entity. Being propped up on the magic dais was a bit of a exchange though, as Relica had to restrain herself from uttering certain words and performing certain actions which may have caused diplomatic incidents otherwise.

Then the magic ritual commenced all of a sudden.

"Wait, what? Ho-"

Then she was blinded by light.

"Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow... Damnit, son-of-a.... Hey! What's the ... big... i... dea... uhhhhh....... Huh?"

Suddenly, little gremlin was no longer on the grounds of Kyouko's estate, but standing alone inside a very unfamiliar place. A very foreign and unfamiliar place. Full of strange and unknown things. This would have been very exciting indeed, if not for the fact that Relica was still reeling from having been in one place moments ago, and was now in a different spot entirely. Travelling through space-time and being dimensionally shifted wasn't exactly something you just shrugged your shoulders at, especially not when you were a woman of reason and science. Sure! She knew magic that could do this sort of thing existed, but the little gremlin had never been the subject or victim of it before. Nor had she ever witnessed it be applied or used. This was... Confusing but also interesting. If she could somehow learn how to convert this kind of spellcraft into a more usable form, imagine the logistical benefits it could have! Why, it could change the very future of transportation as we kne-!

Swish, thump!

Sliding doors suddenly slid open, and figures emerged. Or entered, as Relica was the one who had technically emerged. Out of nowhere, we might add. There wsa a human male, a arachne, a goblin, a ... Zombie...? With a facial tattoo on her forehead, no less. And a flat-chested wererabbit. Great. Quite the welcoming party. As she shook her head slightly to regain composure and focus, the gremlin was about to greet her new allies.

... Then the human opened his mouth and spoke.

A visible vein appeared on the gremlin's temple, and her eye began to twitch. A forced smile was plastered on her lips, but anyone with a modicum amount of mbility or common sense to read the situation could tell that the busty little pint-sized monster was doing everything in her power not to say or do something that may not leave the best first impression.

"Haah... That's funny, big guy... I'm short, so I must be a dwarf, yeah... Hilarious... Haha... Ahh..." She let out a brief, shallow sigh and sucked in a bit of air. "But no, I'm not. I'm a gremlin, from Grelden. I'm here to lend you a hand." She said, putting every ounce of self-restraint into forcing these words out, rather than lunging forward and trying to strangle Takeshi for implying that she was one of those little mountain-dwelling lolis who live in caves under the ground. No, no, she wasn't upset at all. Not in the least.

"So, anyway... I'm supposed to meet someone called Ayu? That one of you guys in the back there?" She asked, raising an eyebrow and, with a dismissive hand-wave, motioning to the group of monsters behind Takeshi. "Oh, and I suppose I'm also meant to meet some guy named Take-" Her words trailed off. Wait, didn't this guy just introduce himself as Takeshi Oja? This dude was Takeshi Oja? Relica felt her stomach lurch, and she really, really, really hoped that Takeshi Oja was a very common name, kinda like John Smith. But the Zipangu-version. She put a gloved hand on her own face and let out another, much longer and deeper, breath of air.

"... It's great to meet you all... I'm Relica by the way." She finally said, after letting go of her own face. She also released the grip on her luggage, allowing her mechanized arms to retract a bit. There was no point in holding onto her stuff while they were inside and doing the chitty-chats after all.

---

Eula would take care to not be spotted by the distant Varjan patrols, not wanting to pick a fight with humans if she could afford to avoid it. With the route to Yabo not taking her long to travel across, Eula would come across the lone house that was held together only due to the strength of its initial construction.

Eula would nod her head at the woman she assumed was Honoka, affirming that she was a visitor before she knelt down. "I am an Automaton known as Eula 039, and I'm...something of a class of yokai," she explained, before further adding: "But, not the kind that attacks humans. I am part of a task force that is currently aiding the people of this land, and combating the Varjan incursion."

Eula hoped that Honoka wouldn't be wary of her, since she really did just come to check up on her. Though, judging from the state of her home, the woman in town was right to send someone. "I was told that you were in danger of starving."

@PaulHaynek
@Xaltwind

"We're actually heading out to look for Yurine." Takeshi answered the Wererabbit before voicing his concern. "I won't stop you from exploring the island, but you do realize we're in the middle of an invasion, right? Even if the settlements and shrines around here are still intact, traveling to them will probably get you a bad encounter with the Varjans. You may be a yokai, but I think it's too dangerous to be just roaming around."

"Hmph." The wererabbit huffed with her arms crossed. "If it were just a bunch of ordinary Varjan troops, I think I can handle it just fine."

"Why don't you come with us? You can go sightseeing while on the way." He offered to Lunatea. It would also be quite convenient for him since he could keep watch of the yokai and make sure they don't get into any trouble.

"Sure, we can do that," Lunatea answered. "Beats staying here, doing nothing. I've recorded all the data I could from this place."

She glanced at the young lord's entourage. She was happy that she would be with the sisters again but the same couldn't be said regarding the presence of Skarsneek, whom she quickly gave a cold stare towards.

Suddenly, a flash of light came from the pagoda in the center of the temple complex. Lunatea, not knowing that it was a place where new members of the Taskforce got teleported to, gave Takeshi a questioning and worried look.

"What was that? An attack?"

Only after Takeshi explained it to her did she calm down. Another new one, huh? Just how many people this Taskforce is going to have?

ᅠ

When they entered the pagoda, there was indeed a person there. Someone new, and a monster, just like them.

That shortness… Takeshi said she's a dwarf but to be more correct, she has to be—

Too late. She was already offended.

"Pleased to meet you. My name is Lunatea Vern Farnsworth, a Wererabbit." She gave a polite bow.

Her gaze quickly landed on the mechanical arm she possessed. She was somewhat interested in it, not because she was a fan of machines or magitek, but just because it was part of Gremlin culture. Back at home, her race certainly didn't use anything like it. They preferred to utilize magical tools instead, objects imbued with magic by the usage of runic magic.

My mistake, hee hee

@Xaltwind@PaulHaynek@Hammerman@AzureKnight

Skarsneek of the Red Hill

"Hey, looks like we're working together." Skarsneek opened his arms and smiled at the wererabbit and teased her. "Try not to get too distracted, wouldn't want me to pull you out of trouble, would we?"

Though the light from the temple distracted him as he narrowed his eyes before releasing that tension away. He remembered seeing that in his travel, looks like more backup had arrived.

Great timing too since the scope of this operation, was already a lot bigger than he expected.

Seeing the new presence was a Gremlin however, had him slightly disappointed, but he'll take whatever he can get at this point. Though it was rare for him to see one.

"Welcome to Shizuyama island, Relica." Skarsneek said with a smile and extended a hand to her. "Where it's always sunny with a chance of a catapult, arrows and Varjan attacks. Also, the locals are just as likely to attack you since they're raised to hate Mamono!"

"But enough of that, I'm Skarsneek by the way, and here's our dashing leader, Takeshi Oja!" He swiveled to Takeshi as he moved in to settle the awkward moment before whispering to him. "Relica's a Gremlin, no worries, everyone gets confused. I couldn't tell most of the time actually. Best way to figure it out are their fancy metal toys."

Though he looked up and down on her, he added a bit more information. "She's a little bit bigger than most of them. So there's that too."

"We're about to go on a mission." Skarsneek added before pointing and gesturing to the rest of the team. "If you're feeling up to it, you're more than welcome to join in."

"I was told that you were in danger of starving."

"I... I shouldn't be talking to yokai..." Honoka started. "...But I'm so hungry."

Swallowing her pride as woman of Shizuyama, the villager woman relayed her story. "Bandits, Madam Eula. They took my food a day ago. Every last scrap." She sobbed. "They went into the woods. They probably have some camp there." She pointed to the forest near her home.

"If you really are here to aid us, please get that food back before they eat it!" Honoka begged the Automaton. "Oh, ah, but please don't harm them. They're just as desperate as I am. We all suffer under this invasion." She added.

---

Honoka was quick to send Eula away, not letting the Automaton get anymore words in. Perhaps she just couldn't wait a second longer for a meal. Regardless, Eula made her way into the forest in search for the camp of bandit thieves.

Fortunately, she did not hav to search for long. Past some bushes, she came upon a shallow pit in a clearing where some humans have set up camp. The camp was crude, but serviceable. A few small wooden tents here and there as well as a fire pit in the middle. The camp was occupied by armed men, maybe seven from what Eula could see. These were probably the bandits that stole Honoka's food.

Five of the bandits were out and about, patrolling the area above the pit while two slept soundly in some mats, near the largest tent among all others. It appeared the large tent also housed their supplies, Eula could see sacks and a couple of crates within. This was likely where the bandits stashed their loot, as well as the stolen food.

Now then, what would be Eula's plan of attack?

"Satoru spotted an old woman and her grandson slowly making their way to the temple. He thinks they have food." The Automaton overheard the bandit. "Maybe we should greet them on the road..."

The suggestion elicited laughter. "...Things aren't bad enough to steal from old people and children."

"We'll see how you feel once we finish the rice."

---

(Currently in collab)

---

"Oh, a Gremlin! My apologies, I haven't exactly met and know a lot of yokai in my life. Well, until now..." Takeshi admitted, scratching the back of his head. "But regardless, we're glad to have you with us. To help Shizuyama despite our attitude and policy towards your kind." The young lord bowed at Relica. "Grelden, huh? I believe I have heard of that land..."

"If you're looking for Ayu, she's the girl with the short white hair." Takeshi added. "She's pretty impressive for keeping this temple together under the stress of the invasion, with all the refugees pouring in nonstop. Had she not been a yokai collaborator, she would probably be appointed to a nice position for her efforts."

"But as Skarsneek said, we are on our way on a mission. I've been gathering people I know to help us in our cause. You can come with us, for your first mission." Takeshi continued. "Or you can relax first, get to know the place. The other members of the taskforce are somewhere around here. I believe in training."

"I admit, I am intrigued by your... mechanical pack. I believe we have a mechanical yokai among us, in fact. She's out on a mission right now, but you should see her once you get the chance."

---

---

---

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

@AzureKnight, @Hammerman, @Paulhaynek, @Restalaan

---

The gathered group eventually spoke up, one after the other. First was the wererabbit, who introduced herself as Lunatea. To Relica, she honestly didn't look like much of a warrior, in any capacity. Heck, the washboard-rabbit didn't even look like proper mage either. Was she just a random civilian? What kind of Taskforce employed and sortied random-ass country-bumpkins!? Maybe she had some hidden talent? Or maytbe she was part of the logistics and/or administrative duties? The gremlin couldn't help but feel a sinking sense of dread as her eyes scanned the remaining group with the same predatory glare as a cat selecting its prey.

Next up was the goblin. At least this one was equipped with a weapon, which was a bonus. But frankly, he didn't look like much either. Resembled the kind of back-alley mugger you'd find in any town. Definetely not a soldier or combatant of any kind of proper training or merit. Sure, he might know how to poke someone with that little blade of his, but honestly, even a child could figure out which end you stick in the other guy. Hopefully he had other talents. Also, what was with his personality? Talking and acting like he ran the show. Also, did he not think she could hear him whiserping to the young human? Her fuzzy ears flitted in annoyance.

Finally, the Takeshi-person spoke again. At least he had some courtesy, although his 'apology' was less of an actual apology and more of a 'I'm an ignorant racist and proud of it'-statement which was used as an excuse to validate his behavior. Then again, that was common for these human-supremacist types. Always thinking themselves ever so high-and-mighty, not having to have common decency or manners, because they were humans and thus blah-blah-blah-blah world bleongs to them. She sighed slightly andput her hands on her hips, giving the goblin a disapproving side-eye.

"Yeah, I heard the man back when he introduced himself, thanks. She felt that this little goober was going to be one of those pesky jerkys who'd get on her nerves somehow. "And as you can all plainly see--" She used one of her mechanical arm to lightly tap the large, hulking workbench and cargo-which-lay-upon-it that was located right behind her. "-- I got a bit of luggage to unpack. So, thanks for offering, but I really should set everything I'll need up before I go exploring an island full of monster-hating invaders and locals, don't you agree?" She gave a slight sneer at the young lord as she said this.

]"As for that mechanical monster you mentioned, she's pretty much why I'm here. No offense, but I seriously doubt anyone on this lil' island got the means to properly take care of someone like her." She relaxed her hands from her sides and the mechanical arms on her back whirred, grappling onto her cargo once again as she began moving forward, towards the exit of the temple. "So yeah, I'll take you up on that offer, young lord-sir. I'll get myself situated and have a look around your base here, seems like a much smarter thing to do than bolt headlong into unknown territory, yeah? Wars are won in the preparation stage, after all. But Oh--" She paused as she was halfway out the entrance. Turning her head to look back over her shoulder. "-- But if you're that curious about my tech, come stop by when you get back. I'm sure I'll be able to show you somethings that'll blow your mind. Good luck out there in the field~! And come back safe, yeah? I'd really hate to have travelled all the way here for nothin'." Relica finished, waving as she walked on, leaving the temple interior.



"... ... ... The actual heck is this...?

Relica was not quite prepared for the sight she saw when exiting and stepping into the temple grounds proper. She had been told that this was where refugees and fleeing citizens of Shizuyama gathered, but she had imagined this was nothing more than a temporary stop for them. A sort of checkpoint or safe-haven-on-the-road to a more secure and Shizuyama-controlled area where they could regroup. But no. That wasn't it. This wasn't a war camp or a fortification. This was a mess.

Refugees scurrying about to and from, no organized patrols or sentries, no orderly supply-stockpile or fire-precautions... Hadn't these guys been under attack for weeks!? To call the defenses flimsy - in her opinion - would be an understatement! This was terrible! No, it was worst than that, it was catastrophic! How were these Zupanguese going to win back their own land if they couldn't even muster a decently organized and functioning base of operations? Wait... Did the brass know about this? Damn those rat-bastards, taht's why they sent her here... They must've known the state this place was in, and figured this'd be an easy way to get rid of her. Those assholes. Thought they'd be all slick and smooth and pretend to care about foreign affairs while potentially getting rid of a creaking wheel in their little machine?

"Heh, so that'sit, huh? You just wait, you waxed-moustache creeps. I'll show you..." Relica muttered to herself, with a menacing grim grin on her face, as she pulled her stuff along.

She'd eventually settle on a location somewhat central, but a bit out of the way, from the main temple area. Corners were, after all, the best place to build stuff. She ignored any glares, scoffs or jabs sent her way - she was far too preoccupied with herself to care about these narrowminded backwater island-folk at the moment. For now, getting her workbench, and subsequently her workshop, set up was of the top priority. Once that was done, she could go and try to find this 'Ayu' with the supposed white hair, and start making some suggestions to her - since apaprently she ran this whole shabang.

"If she hadn't been a monster-supporter she could've had a cushy position in society, huh? Hah."

The gremlin muttered to herself as she set things down, propped things up and began to get to work, using her mechanized arms to whip this way and that, pulling things out her sacks and crates atop the large metal bench, setting them down and ordering them in a practiced and routine-looking manner. Third campaign of her career, in a land where humans hated monsters, fighting against other humans, who also hated monsters. The irony was too thick here.

Mentions: @Xaltwind@Restalaan

"Hey, looks like we're working together." Skarsneek opened his arms and smiled at the wererabbit and teased her. "Try not to get too distracted, wouldn't want me to pull you out of trouble, would we?"

"Distracted?" She sent him a glare, crossing her arms with a huff. "Who do you think I am? I always take fights seriously, you know. I might be a scholar but that doesn't mean I don't face my share of danger going out there exploring ancient ruins."

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Lunatea couldn't help but think the gremlin was looking down on her. But since she didn't have any proof, she decided it was probably just a flash of her imagination. But then, thinking how gremlins were back in her homeland, she wouldn't be surprised if she did. They were the kind of folks who'd look down on anyone who couldn't appreciate their genius.

She opted not to join them on their trip, which was more than fine with the wererabbit. A sudden new member on a mission would just slow them down since they wouldn't know of her capability in combat. And besides, like she said, she couldn't bring all that heavy mechanical stuff with her.

"Try not to scare the locals," Lunatea warned as she walked away. "They don't like monsters like us and they certainly won't like your machines either."

@Xaltwind@PaulHaynek@Hammerman@AzureKnight

"Distracted?" She sent him a glare, crossing her arms with a huff. "Who do you think I am? I always take fights seriously, you know. I might be a scholar but that doesn't mean I don't face my share of danger going out there exploring ancient ruins."

"If you say so." Skarsneek teased and shrugged his shoulders before clearing his throat.

"But really, if you get in danger, holler out." He spoke much mroe earnestly to her and tapped her shoulders playfully. "I'll be right there."

"Yeah, I head the man back when he introduced himself, thanks. She felt that this little goober was going to be one of those pesky jerkys who'd get on her nerves somehow. "And as you can all plainly see--" She used one of her mechanical arm to lightly tap the large, hulking workbench and cargo-which-lay-upon-it that was located right behind her. "-- I got a bit of luggage to unpack. So, thanks for offering, but I really should set everything I'll need up before I go exploring an island full of monster-hating invaders and locals, don't you agree?" She gave a slight sneer at the young lord as she said this.

"Try not to get kill!" Skarsneek waved to Relica as the latter departed.

Once she's gone, Skarsneek slapped both hands together and turned to the group. "Alright, let's go find ourselves the undertaker."

With that, Skarsneek quickly went and packed a few supplies. Just in case, one can never be too careful without water, food, torch and some ropes.

"Say, Takeshi, what do you think Yurine? Feels weird that she's a grave keeper yet from your words, sounds like she was a fighter before that." Skarsneek asked and prodded, after all, it seems like she was around even before Takeshi was born and possibly even the previous lord. "Also, kind of skewed priority or there's something else within those cemeteries. You know, with the fight all."

Maybe there was stash or supplies kept there? Hopefully, it's something they can use, otherwise, well, Io might be able to do something about the dead.

Was it sacrilegious and disrespectful? Absolutely.

But they need every arms right now, and Skarsneek doubt that their own ancestor would've sit back in their graves doing nothing.

Still, better not to mention it Takeshi out right.

Mentions: @Restalaan

"If you say so." Skarsneek teased and shrugged his shoulders before clearing his throat.

"But really, if you get in danger, holler out." He spoke much more earnestly to her and tapped her shoulders playfully. "I'll be right there."

"Hmph, you don't have to say that. You're part of our team now. We're expected to help each other. And don't you think I'm some defenseless maiden that can't pick up her own weight in battle!" She put her hands on her hips, scowling.

Even though Skarsneek's intention might be noble, Lunatea's own bias against him made her think he was just being his usual braggart, macho self.

"Say, Takeshi, what do you think Yurine? Feels weird that she's a grave keeper yet from your words, sounds like she was a fighter before that. Also, kind of skewed priority or there's something else within those cemeteries. You know, with the fight all."

"I'm fairly sure I said this already, but we sent Yurine to the cemeteries of Shizuyama to take care of our buried ancestors. Make sure they're impossible to desecrate, even long after the Varjans kill us all and occupy the island." Takeshi answered Skarsneek. "But as you can see, things have changed. We might no longer need to protect the cemeteries, so we're moving out to pick up Yurine so her efforts can be put elsewhere."

As the party set out, Takeshi continued to answer the question. "Yurine is a fighter still, you know? She can swing her axe pretty well in combat but her long-standing job was to watch over the 'seppuku' of the warriors who have shamed themselves. After the dishonored warrior has killed themself, Yurine would lop off their head to quicken the death and save them from further pain."

"She would also be in charge with burying the dead warrior along with the latter's family. Thus, she knows a lot about graves and tends to them along with people like her. But besides being a gravekeeper, Yurine was also a retainer of Clan Oja for as long as I can remember. So she helped my father raise me since he's always busy managing all of Shizuyama." Takeshi finished.

---

After a rather uneventful trip to the south of Onrai region, the group finally reached their destination. "Kozukata Cemetery. One of the largest graveyards in Shizuyama." Takeshi said. "Most of the Oja Clan are buried in Oja Cemetery up in Saikoten. But my mother was buried here, her home region, like she always wanted."

The taskforce would see rows upon rows of gravestones... if not for the thick fog that enveloped the area, revealing only a dozen or so as well as the stone paths granting comfortable access to visitors. "Quite the mist, though." Takeshi remarked. "It's probably not natural. Maybe this is Yurine's but it's too risky to assume that. Tread lightly."

Indeed, it was nigh impossible to see all of the cemetery with this fog, much less spot Yurine. "Do you guys think we should split up? We'll cover more ground, but we might get lost. Especially you, yokai, since you've never been here before."

---

(Currently in collab)

---

While Relica was setting up her own workshop in her own little corner in Terauchi Temple, a visitor came by to see her. It seemed the Gremlin need not search for Ayu.

"Hello there! I hope I haven't interrupted you or anything!" A woman with short, white hair and golden eyes greeted Relica with a proud grin. "I heard you were looking for me, so here I am. Not really sure why you want to, though. I also heard that young Lord Oja himself welcomed you personally so you're probably already briefed and know the current situation."

"But you probably have other questions so you called for me. Ask away!" Ayu finished. "Err, let's not make it too long, okay? I'm a busy woman, handling all... this, you know?" She gestured to the entirety of Terauchi Temple.

---

---

---

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

Mentions: @PaulHaynek

Before they departed, Lunatea returned back to the barracks to pack her things. There really wasn't much she brought with her. It was mostly her notes, some rations and water bottles, and change of clothes. Since her magic panties were her weapon, there wasn't any need to carry around a staff or a sword with her.

The taskforce would see rows upon rows of gravestones... if not for the thick fog that enveloped the area, revealing only a dozen or so as well as the stone paths granting comfortable access to visitors. "Quite the mist, though." Takeshi remarked. "It's probably not natural. Maybe this is Yurine's but it's too risky to assume that. Tread lightly."

Indeed, it was nigh impossible to see all of the cemetery with this fog, much less spot Yurine. "Do you guys think we should split up? We'll cover more ground, but we might get lost. Especially you, yokai, since you've never been here before."

"Split up? That would be too risky, wouldn't it?" Lunatea protested. "I can try blowing away all this mist with my wind magic if you want."

@PaulHaynek

---

The little gremlin only stopped working on her stuff and things for a brief moment after hearing the voice of the woman called Ayu. She glanced back over her shoulder with an almost apathetic expression, like as if she was in a trance or sleepwalking. She then turned back and continued toset things down and move items around, adjusting tools and fixing things 'just so'. After the human finished her little greeting and follow-up, Relica replied, in a much less snarky and irritated tone than when she'd spoken to Lord Oja and his entourage.

"Nice to meet ya, I'm Relica. Since you're so busy I'll just ask about the most important things for now." She spoke in an almost monotone voice and was very matter-of-factly, with almost no inflection to her words at all. She still wasn't looking at Ayu though, but rather focused on the task before her."How big's the enemy force and how big is Shizuyama's standing army? And before you ask, no, untrained peasants with pitchforks and hoe who're defending their homes' don't count as soldiers. " Evenn though the comment could easily have been sarcastic or interpreted as condescending, there was none of that in Relica's voice. Rather, it sounded like she was just explaining a potential miscalculation to a problem before it was made. She then continued unabated.

"How much do you have in terms of supplies? Like weapons, food, medicine and lumber? Also, what type of defenses does this... Base... have?" She propped up a pair of vices on the workbench and soon began to dismantle the wooden crate that had been in, stripping it apart for planks and nails.

"Lastly, how much of the island is currently held by the enemy? Where's the enemy headquarters and what's your strategy for defeating the invaders?" She asked, finishing up the disassembly of the crate, turning around finally to face Ayu. The gremlin's golden eyes glinted and her face was stern and serious. "I hope that ain't too many quesitons for ya, Miss Highly-Esteemed Monster-Supporter-in-charge-of-everything." She didn't bother to ask about clearly pointless things, like Shizuyama's navy or if this location was secure or not. The answers to both those questions were pretty obvious without needing to ask. Hopefully, this Ayu-person could provide more details and accurate numbers, which would hopefully not be disastrously skewed in favor of their opponents... But somehow the busty gremlin felt a niggling itch at the back of her head that whatever was going to come out of this albino-chick's mouth wasn't going to be good news.