[h2]Samurai[/h2]

The samurai didn't even turn to look at Tera's attempted advance--the final ashigaru gambit had paid off far more than whatever this ghost's intelligence expected, with the [i]entire[/i] short-fused explosion hitting Tera. More than enough to derail any attempted rolling attack, and at least leave his back free to continue fighting against the invaders.

Aside from Tera's mishap, it seemed like they were winning: both the komainu shattered and crumbled, and that only left the samurai and the onna-bugeisha still standing, putting the numbers--at last--firmly in their favour. Seemingly recognising this, the warrior woman disengaged from Yuuma with alacrity, retreating to the bow-wielding samurai [i]just[/i] in time to push him away from the searing flames.

Which meant they only had two more to deal with. Unfortunately, even with the slight pause of [i]surprise[/i] at his rescue, the samurai remained undaunted, and the remaining goop continued to flow inwards. As for what this meant? Well, [i]now[/i] each arrow released immediately split into a dozen more. And he showed no signs of slowing down the shotgun-like approach, especially with a sword-wielding guard to handle anybody rushing for him.