[center][h3]Shizuyama Wilderness[/h3][/center] [center][b]THE HEAVENLY STRIKE[/b][/center] [center]~ [@AzureKnight] (HIN, ATS & SHI), [@Enkryption] (ALI & CRL), [@The Irish Tree] (EUL & LIL), [@Rezod92], [@Crowvette], [@Restalaan] (SKA & GRI) ~[/center] Takeshi readied to engage the rest of the band but the taskforce, at least most of them, was fast and thorough in their attack. He bore witness to their teamwork, noticing that [u]Alice[/u] and her living weapon [u]Carroll[/u] were pretty synchronous with [u]Eula[/u], [u]Kerry[/u] and [u]Liliana[/u]. The young lord was a little envious, and wondered if he could ever fight like that with his Shizuyaman friends. He also witnessed how they used the Heavenly Strike technique. Observed how they did it. [quote=Eula 039][color=C48BD3][b]"Surrender or face extinction. There is no other option."[/b][/color][/quote] When [u]Eula[/u] and [u]Carroll[/u] did their version of the Heavenly Strike technique, it went too fast for the legionnaire to block. The attack was fully successful, hitting the legionnaire's abdomen and making him stumble back from the blow. However, he was not out just yet and still held his war hammer. But the Automaton would not be his foe for now, since a rather masculine High Orc rushed after him. Only for some regal-looking woman to interrupt the High Orc, even stealing the latter's axe, and attack herself. His armor was pierced, but it still managed to absorb the blow. The legionnaire noticed these monsters were using their versions of this Heavenly-whatever technique the collaborators used. No wonder they asked for legionnaire help and keep a lookout for the monsters. [quote=Alice]"[color=976f29]I offer you surrender, Varjan, and nothing else. Deny, and death is the only outcome. You are outgunned.[/color]"[/quote] [quote=Carroll]"[color=808080][b]Go ahead, buddy. Make your choice.[/b][/color]"[/quote] The legionnaire relaxed and released one of his hands from his weapon and let the latter stand, apparently surrendering. He used his free hand to remove his belt that contained bombs and gadgets for quick use during battle and tossed it in front of the unique Mad Hatter. [quote=Atsuha Hangai][color=9e0b0f]"That goes doubly to you, Takeshi-san! I know your skill with the blade is to be feared, but you make us worry all the same"[/color][/quote] "Well, it all worked out in the end, didn't it?" Takeshi laughed. Truth be told, he lost count on how many times he already had been scolded by Atsuha. Perhaps she felt a bit maternal towards him after rescuing him in Sanjo Beach. "I'm not even sure if we were needed in this fight. It really looks Alice and her gang have this in the bag!" He then looked back at the surrendering legionnaire, and noticed that the Varjan was not... that relaxed. He also recognized the legionnaire belonging to the Iron Grinders, masters of siege warfare. They knew how to breach castles and fortresses, but they also knew how to take them without attacking walls. Infiltration and baiting strategies. [quote=Shizuka Kannazuki][color=royalblue]"Alice and Carroll, I suppose I shouldn't expect anything less from you. Well done, both of you. Now, the question remains, what to do with our new friend here. Do you have anything thing in mind, Takeshi-Dono? I also agree with Alice and Kerry in that the master of this technique is something that should be treated with our full attention. If possible, I'd like to be the one to face him. Especially since most of our members have just got through fighting."[/color][/quote] "Very well. I shall let you face him." The young lord accepted [u]Shizuka's[/u] request. "Buuuut someone of his caliber would probably rather claim my head, the heir apparent, than a relative stranger's, no?" He then quickly apologized. "Err, no offense." His gaze was still fixed at the legionnaire. The Varjan's posture was still tense and ready to move. This was no surrender. [quote=Hinami Hangai][color=7bcdc8]"Hey! If you want someone to interrogate him, I vote my Big Sis! She can use various toxin and her own natural poison to coax stuff outta him, plus she can get really mean toward jerks like the Varjans!"[/color][/quote] Takeshi warned his allies. "Wait, I don't think he's--" *POP* A thick red smoke started emanating from the legionnaire's belt. It wafted upwards quickly, reaching the heights that birds usually fly. From somewhere in the distance, burning boulders were launched and heading towards... the taskforce's position! "Take cover!" Takeshi yelled at his taskforce allies. *CRASH* Flaming artillery rained on the area, but their impacts and fire were mitigated by the stormy weather. Still, it did its job scattering and disorienting the taskforce who were forced to dodge the shots. However, the same could not be said for the unconscious Varjans and technique students who were claimed by their own side's siege weaponry whether through impact or through flame. The legionnaire took this opportunity to escape, running towards the wilderness. Takeshi immediately noticed, but had a plan. "Chase him! But don't catch him! Let's see where he goes!" The young lord ordered as he started the 'chase'. [hr] [center][h3]Kenshiro's Rest[/h3][/center] [center][b]THE HEAVENLY STRIKE[/b][/center] [center]~ [@AzureKnight] (HIN, ATS & SHI), [@Enkryption] (ALI & CRL), [@The Irish Tree] (EUL & LIL), [@Rezod92], [@Crowvette], [@Restalaan] (SKA & GRI) ~[/center] The rain poured as thunder roared in the sky. Dark, gray clouds blocked out the sun, almost drowning the world in darkness. The winds blew fiercely now, trees and leaves danced as they howled. But none of these deterred Takeshi from 'chasing' the Iron Grinder. Did the young lord ever consider that he was following the legionnaire into a trap? Perhaps, but Takeshi hardly cared. His goal was to end this menace once and for all, and he would step in as many traps as needed. The 'chase' ended when the Iron Grinder reached the base of a steep, two-leveled plateau covered by a row of natural rock formations. The legionnaire's boots glowed with orange-hued magic as he leapt up, jumping over the rocky wall and disappearing behind it. Still undeterred and not waiting for the taskforce to offer help, Takeshi began to scale the cliff face quite deftly. Identifying which ledges he needed to grab, Takeshi was soon at the first level and facing the rocky wall. There was a slit in the rock formation big enough for the young lord as well as the biggest of the taskforce to fit through. Of course, those capable of flight need not enter through the tiny entrance. Takeshi was the first one through and was greeted by a pleasant scenery: The entire first level of the plateau was some sort of shrine-garden. Two large, rectangular stone pillars with inscriptions engraved on them stood on each side of the small dirt path, serving as a welcome everyone who entered this sacred place. Beyond the pillars was a pool of water, constantly refreshed by the natural stream that flowed out of this elevated landform. The most striking sight in this place was the huge amount of katanas embedded on every patch of soil that wasn't the path. They were not clear at first, almost blending in with the grasses that stood beside them. From Katsuhiro's tale, this was probably Kenshiro's Rest. What was not pleasant, however, was the row of Varjan bowmen standing at the edge of the second level, overlooking the first. And populating the first level was a whole mixed unit of legionnaires and Heavenly Strike students. There were about four of the Iron Grinders, including the one the taskforce was chasing. And yet, he was not the apparent leader of the legionnaires. [url=https://i.imgur.com/NvpeiHP.jpeg]The one with the mouthguard and the sword and shield seemed to be the one in charge[/url]. But all held their weapons and allowed one of the students to approach Takeshi. Only, this one didn't feel like a student despite looking like his fellow swordsmen. He confidently strode towards the young lord and the latter soon recognized who this Shizuyaman traitor was. "Tetsuo Okinaga. The butcher of the Ichimonji Rebellion." Takeshi crossed his arms. The normally-outspoken heir was replaced by a stoic but seething warrior. "I see time hasn't changed you." "[color=f7976a]You were a child when Ichimonji burned, boy.[/color]" Tetsuo replied. "[color=f7976a]For ten years, I dreamed of cutting Lord Oja to the bone.[/color]" "You won't live long enough to face him." Takeshi finished the 'pleasantries'. Tetsuo smirked as he drew his sword. "[color=f7976a]I've mastered the legendary attack, and the Varjans are willing to reward me for sharing it with them.[/color]" Takeshi unsheathed his sword and poised to attack-- *BOOM* A sudden and unexpected lightning struck a section of the second level's ledge, sending that section tumbling down along with a few of the archers while leaving the rest stunned silent. Even Takeshi, and probably the taskforce, was surprised. Tetsuo returned his glare at Takeshi and pointed his sword at the young lord. "[color=f7976a]Yokai devilry! I should've known than to expect honor from one as corrupted as you![/color]" Tetsuo disappeared and reappeared behind Takeshi, leaving a nasty slash wound on the young lord. The two then locked swords and dueled, [u]Shizuka's[/u] wishes unfulfilled. The Iron Grinders charged forward with their two-handed hammers while their leader stayed back for now. The Heavenly Strike students followed closely behind, appearing to be taking cover behind their armored Varjan allies. The remainder of the Footmen archers started loosing arrows at the taskforce too as lightning continued to strike at the battlefield's vicinities, setting fire to the grasses in the plateau. [hr] [hr] [hr] [center]~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~[/center] [hider=The Shadow Of The Taskforce {END OF ACT I}] [color=fff200](REQUIRES ALL PLAYER CHARACTERS)[/color] "I finally have all that I need to rescue my father from the Varjans. The only thing missing now is where the invaders have him imprisoned. I'm coming for you, father. Just wait a little longer." -Takeshi Oja [/hider] [center]~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~[/center] [hider=The Past Never Passes] "Lord Takamori's traitorous former student, Setsuna, is training Mongol archers across Shizuyama. Lord Takamori posits that she plans on attacking Omi Springs, his hometown and a refuge for villagers. We should meet with Lord Takamori as soon as possible." -Takeshi Oja [/hider] [center]~~ SORAE TALES ~~[/center] [hider=The Traitor] "Sorae is on the hunt for Sogen, one of the conspirators behind her family's murder. To track him down, Sorae has asked us to speak with Ayu who may know where we can find him." -Takeshi Oja [/hider] [center]~~ SHIZUKA (MERCHANT) TALES ~~[/center] [hider=The People's Servant] "One of the farms near Komatsu Bay looks like it's had some trouble. Someone should make sure the people there are all right." -Takeshi Oja [/hider] [center]~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~[/center] [hider=Whispers In The Woods] A villager woman remarked to the taskforce member as the latter passed by. "You better watch out if you're passing Yabo Forest, yokai. It's haunted by angry spirits... Dead samurai, eager to spill blood." "People go into the woods and never come out. Varjan and Shizuyaman alike! The bodies that turn up have all been killed by Shizuyaman blades..." [/hider] [hider=The Other Side Of Honor] A peasant man eating barbecued meat on a stick was startled when the taskforce member approached. It appeared he has news. "Yokai! You have to tell Lord Takeshi, there is another samurai noble who survived Sanjo Beach. His name is Lord Tonchiki. He's in his abode southeast of here. If you go see him, I'm sure he would join your cause." "Err, maybe not. I guess you'll need Lord Takeshi himself to convince him." [/hider] [hider=Shizuyama's Freedom] A villager sitting on some stone steps in the temple stood up when the taskforce member approached. "Yokai, I've heard of a small resistance group gathering in the Imahama Area. I believe they're headed by that shrine priestess that started a fight here not too long ago." "They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not trained. Better take Lord Takeshi with you too or else it might be a fight again." [/hider] [hider=Bottoms Up] A peasant man warming his hands on a bonfire noticed the taskforce member passing by. "Yokai, you must do something! It's Ayane's sake brewery in Imahama. That brewery is the pride of Shizuyama, but soon there will be none left. The Varjans are taking it by force." [/hider] [center]~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~[/center] [hider=The Heavenly Strike (ONGOING)] "Dealing with these students of the Heavenly Strike was more difficult than we thought. They have already thrown back two of the taskforce. However, the yokai fought them separately and at different times, so perhaps a more cooperative approach would be more fruitful." -Takeshi Oja [/hider]