[center]
"..."

"...I've got it."
[/center]

[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 sudden appearance of a herd of cows took everyone by surprise. A choir of moos and the thunder of hooves distracted even the warriors harassing the [u]Hangai[/u] sisters, completely stopping any more attacks.

The stampede, enhanced by [u]Kerry's[/u] spell, threw the enemy forces into complete disarray. Lightning continued to strike as the enemy panicked, making them vulnerable to the taskforce members' attacks. A logical weakness of the students' legendary technique was also found so within minutes, all the technique students and Iron Grinders have fallen to either the stampede or have been picked off by the taskforce. Kenshiro's Rest have also become the resting place of other, more wicked warriors.

The Iron Grinder leader held firm under [u]Gringor's[/u] axe assault. His limp made it hard to find an opening for a counterattack, but he patiently waited. He also noticed that he was practically alone now, with no casualties amongst the taskforce. That momentary distraction prevented him from focusing on his fight with [u]Gringor[/u] and he was unable to predict nor react to the male High Orc shoulder tackling him.

The legionnaire was sent to the ground and before he could respond, [u]Gringor[/u] swatted away his shield and delivered a nasty punch to his face. The hit almost broke his mask but the Iron Grinder wasn't done yet. Letting go of his arms, he grabbed [u]Gringor's[/u] face for a punch to the face of his own. The swing knocked the male High Orc off of him, but this fight wad done. The Iron Grinder was looking for a way out now.

Spotting [u]Liliana[/u] riding forth towards the second level to Takeshi's aid, the Iron Grinder also saw opportunity. He surged forward before his High Orc opponent got any more funny ideas, picking up his sword as he did. The legionnaire stood in front of [u]Liliana[/u] and her mount's path before unleashing a powerful slash, slicing off one of the cow's frontal legs and sending the beast barreling down the muddy soil. Alive, but not for much longer.

[u]Liliana[/u] was also sent into the mud before immediately being picked by the Iron Grinder. His iron grip was tight, but only enough that she could not escape through physical force. The legionnaire then presented the captured warrior Fairy to the rest of the taskforce, his other hand grasping his sword. "[color=0072bc]Stand down, you mongrels! Stand down or this little sprite gets it![/color]" He threatened the Fairy's allies.

This was the last enemy the taskforce needed to deal with, but they must approach with caution. The Varjan legionnaire was cornered and outnumbered. Desperation and spite was his name of the game.

[hr]
[hr]
[hr]

[center]~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~[/center]

[hider=The Shadow Of The Yokai {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]