[hr][center][b]Terauchi Temple[/b][/center][hr]

[center][sup][@PaulHaynek][@Enkryption][@The Irish Tree][@Restalaan][@Rezod92][@Crowvette][@Nakushita][@Hammerman][/sup][/center][hr]

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Shizuka was pleased to see that most of the taskforce members hadn't lost too much stride after the battle, and were already discussing their next move. Although, he was able to tell that some members, like Luna and Io, were quite fatigued. He wised that the force had a little more time to rest, but it appeared that wouldn't be the case.

He had returned from his "talk" with Alice, his heart a bit heavy to bid farewell to her and Carroll. He thought it'd be best to tell Takeshi and the others the news...

[color=royalblue]"Takeshi-dono,"[/color] he said. [color=royalblue]"I'm glad you and everyone else seem to be fairing well. However, there's something that you and everyone else should know."[/color] He paused for a moment. [color=royalblue]"Alice-san and Carroll-chan seem to have left the taskforce, I can confirm because I sensed their chi fading further from the vicinity. Where they plan to go, I don't know, but I felt that you all should know regardless."[/color] Shizuka spoke so that everyone present could hear him. 

[color=royalblue]"As for now, I would suggest that anyone who's too injured or tired from the recent attack should stay behind and recover for now. You'll be no good to anyone dead, so no need to push yourself."[/color] The ronin continued. [color=royalblue]"In addition, Ayu-san, I will accompany you on the Komatsu Bay operation. Io-san, Lili-chan, and I will join our talents together for this operation."[/color] He looked with a solemn expression. [color=royalblue]"Io-san, you probably want to hide it, but I can sense that you've used up a great deal of your chi in that battle. If you truly want to go, I won't stop you. But, you're going to need help with this. Plus, a being like yourself won't fare well under an anti-magic field, I'd hazard to guess."[/color]

Shizuka then turned to Lord Takeshi. [color=royalblue]"Takeshi-dono, I wish you and Kikyo-san the best of luck on liberating the imprisoned fighters."[/color]

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The Hangai sisters where relatively fine after the conflict, if still a bit anxious. It was bittersweet, it seemed like after aiding Yurine in the cemetery, they barely got any opportunity to rest in the time between then and the recent attack. The injures Hinami had received in the fight had already healed thanks to her biology, and Atsuha didn't expend that much magic either. They both listened as Shizuka explained that Alice and Carroll had left. 

[color=7bcdc8]"Aww, the plant lady and the talking sword left? I hope they'll be ok."[/color] She said in an innocent, but melancholic tone. 

[color=9e0b0f]"I'm sure she'll be fine, Nee-chan. She is a queen, after all, as she love to keep reminding us of."[/color] Atsuha said, attempting to cheer her up. 

They listened to the group as they discussed their next strategy. Takeshi had decided to go with Kikyo in order to liberate the imprisoned warriors. She felt the young lord's hesitation and lack of confidence in his decision. It was as if something had compelled her to aid the lord in this case. 

[color=9e0b0f]"Skars-kun,"[/color] she said to her lover. [color=9e0b0f]"I feel that it would be best for us to aid Takeshi-san in his endeavor. If you feel your skills are best suited for another mission, I understand. My sister and I will be sure to take care while out."[/color]

The sisters then walked over to Takeshi and Kikyo. [color=9e0b0f]"Would you care to have us tag along, my young lord?"[/color] Atsuha said. She politely bowed to Kikyo. [color=9e0b0f]"Hello Kikyo-san, my name is Hangai Atsuha, it's a pleasure to meet you. All things considered, we hope to lend our aid in rescuing those prisoners."[/color]

[color=7bcdc8]"Same here! Oh, sorry! My name is Hangai Hinami, it's also a pleasure!"[/color] Hinami said, following suit with her sister, if a bit more clumsily. 

[color=9e0b0f]"Kikyo-san, is there anything more you can tell us about the encampment that the prisoners are being held at? Warrior types, the surrounding layout?"[/color]