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After repairing the damages to the house the best she could, Eula waited for the monk to awaken outside the house they were in previously.
It was perhaps an hour before the monk stirred. "Ohhhh, what happened...?" He clutched his head. His eyes blinked a few times to regain orientation. He also tried to get up, but the pain in his head made sure that he could only barely stand. "Ohhh... the yokai... why...?" The monk recalled being attacked by his very own protectors. Of all the emotions he felt, confusion was chief among them.
But upon spotting Eula before him, things made even less sense. "Oh, madam yokai?" The monk said. "I... I believe I was attacked by the Gremlin yokai, and reprimanded by the hornet one." He recounted his memories. "But you are here... Am I misremembering things? Where are those two?"
"I will work to expand the chance of success. Through any means possible. The other task force members would do the same."
“If you ever get scared, you can always run and hide behind me, I’ll protect you for the big bad scary guysssss”
Instead of being reassured, Kazenosuke's mood soured at the yokai's optimism. "Do you two realize how large the Varjan army is? What can a bunch of yokai do to stop them?!" He started ranting.
"They have more warriors, more spellcasters, more weapons, more equipment..." Kazenosuke voice then lowered. "More opportunities, more prospects, more options for a future..." He then covered his mouth to stop himself, hopefully not revealing too much to Io and Yuki. "N-Never mind me, you two are right. The Varjans may have us beat, but with our combined power... We may have a chance."
"Now then, let's go. We should hurry to Terauchi Temple." Kazenosuke wanted to leave behind his outburst.
When Shizuka arrived and talked with Alice and Liliana, the rainbow knight silently went to a shed and hauled out a large wooden boat that came with a suitable oar. "Whew, good thing I brought a big one. What was once two became five. Just like those Vin Diesel movies..." He then hauled the boat to the water where he began playing with the seashells.
Upon seeing that the taskforce had all gathered together, the rainbow knight rose to address the group. "Oh, you guys are done with marriage counseling? We can finally get this show on the road..." The knight sighed. "Okay, first off: Hello, I'm Ian North. I'm here to help the taskforce if they get in a bind. I can't help all the time, though. I'm pretty busy myself. This is a whole-ass island that needs help, after all."
"But anyway, this boat's ready to take you to Hama Island. I'll row you guys there myself." Ian declared before looking at Shizuka and Carroll. "And really?! Really?! You two just gonna coochie-coo meters away from my boat?! Man, I don't get respect anywhere..."
"…You don't have to pity me. I can handle it just fine, you know. I'll find another husband just fine. And one much better than you at that,"
Despite Lunatea's cold rebuttal, Takeshi merely smiled more and even ruffled her head. "Hahaha, I'll be cheering you on, Lunatea."
Ayu finally returned and saw Takeshi and Lunatea little scene. "Hahaha! It's good to see that Lord Takeshi is getting along really well with the yokai." She cheered.
"Ah, Ayu! Just the woman I wanted to see!" Takeshi greeted her. "Madam Musubi told us many things. Things you ought to know as well."
"...So we need a port, huh?" Takeshi and Lunatea explained Musubi the Nurarihyon's news from Lady Kyouko. Now, Ayu's face was scrunched up in thought. "By now, all the major ports in Shizuyama are probably occupied. The Varjans know of their importance." She remarked.
It was then that Kerry and Relica made quite the dynamic entry from the air. After the Gremlin sulked off to her workshop, it was Takeshi himself who first greeted the Hornet. "Ah, Kerry! You're just in time. We're preparing for a... major move against the Varjans. Err, we're still planning it but it'll be good to have most, if not all, the taskforce here."
"What's this I hear about plans?" Takeshi was genuinely surprised when he heard that familiar voice. "I like plans. Don't leave me out of it." Io and Yuki had arrived along with their charge, Kazenosuke. "Gods above, they're right. You're still alive, Tak."
"I am only alive thanks to the yokai." Takeshi and Kazenosuke approached each other, before erupting into a hug. "It's good to see you, Kaze."
As Takeshi and Kazenosuke walked off as they caught up with each other, Ayu gathered Lunatea, Kerry, Io and Yuki. "Big news, everyone. Lady Kyouko has a fleet ready, but she needs a big enough port here to land it. Otherwise, the Varjan can inflict heavy losses on her fleet, even if they can't outright destroy it." The head spy explained. "Most, if not all, major ports in Shizuyama are already taken. That means we'll have to liberate one from the invaders."
"The closest major port here is Komatsu Bay. But I heard that place is as fortified as a castle, taking it head-on will be quite the challenge. Even for you, yokai, so I'm interested in your thoughts." Ayu said. "Although, I do have an idea... N-Never mind, it's not worth it."
Poring through the books last night bore no fruit, to Einer's frustration. A shady, pale-skinned man named Kiff offered to help the bard in the latter's endeavor, but Einer politely declined. Leon appeared to need Kiff's attention more than he did so the musician kindly moved aside and focus on his search alone. Einer read and read through the night, but found only vague instructions of the old methods of casting magic in the distant past. Still, Einer was not giving up. There was always another day.
And another day came, the members of the Eon Tower had gathered in the mess hall for breakfast. Einer had foregone breakfast for now, opting to play a cheerful tune for the dining mages of the Tower. An unneeded sacrifice, but Einer was not feeling the pangs of hunger. Rather, he felt the ever-familiar pangs of failure instead. The music he played was as much for him as his fellow mages.
But the tune stopped when Scarlett started a scene, vomiting her bile upon an unfortunate pot before serving it to some Beluan mages that included Lapis and her brother Ruecian. The sight made the bard even less hungry, he was probably not eating until lunch because of this.
Still, Scarlett's lack of tact and manners... nay, lack of respect for anyone and anything that wasn't herself was amusing in a way. "I pity the one who must clean all that." Einer remarked to everyone present. "I'd offer aid, but I don't think my music can dispel the horrid stenches. Unnatural as this may be."
Relica and Kerry's retaliation for the prank left the monk unconscious on the floor while the mother took her child and fled the house screaming.
Several villagers in the secluded settlement opened their doors to see what was going on. But upon seeing Eula and Kerry squaring off, they immediately shut their doors and closed their windows. The air swirling around Kerry was just more evidence that this altercation will get destructive very quick and that all they could do was huddle in their homes and hope they don't get caught in the crossfire.
Even the animals have fled, the tweeting birds flying away and the chittering insects skulking back to their burrows. Now, only the winds could be heard between the feuding taskforce members.
The stage was set, and all that was left was for Eula or Kerry or Relica to make their next move.
Shizuka said that he would be going after their fellow taskforce member, leaving Kazenosuke in the care of Io and Yuki.
"He will be safe. Rest assured."
“As for me, I think I’ll head back too the temple as well, I need to recover a bit of energy. It’s been a while since I had to get physical”
Kazenosuke chuckled. "I am very much capable of defending myself, ladies." He remarked. "Although I supposed I don't mind some beautiful company."
---
Unfortunately for Io, she was with Yuki as they escorted Kazenosuke to Terauchi Temple. The trip through the dirt roads were uneventful until they ascended a mountain path and got a good look at a portion of Shizuyama's many shorelines.
The trio saw ships of varying sizes occupying the water, it was the Varjan blockade said to have surrounded the island. The waters were not completely filled, but there were enough that even a small vessel will be easily spotted by any lookout on the Varjan ships. Meanwhile on the land, several thick smoke stacks could be seen rising to the sky. Likely coming from the villages and homesteads hit by the Varjans.
Kazenosuke spent a few moments just staring at the sights before letting out a heavy sigh. "Say, yokai..." He called out to Io and Yuki. "Be honest with me, do we... does Shizuyama actually have a chance?"
The rainbow knight covered his ears and recoiled from Alice's loud demand. "Alright! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, okay? You're the most awesomest Queen ever and Shizuyama is graced by your blessed presence. You have the island's eternal gratitude and all that." He quickly apologized. "Please don't call for my manager, I beg you! I'm almost Company member of the year and a complaint now is seriously gonna ruin my chances!"
Glancing at the still-dueling Carroll and the Whimsy blade, the knight leaned towards Liliana and whispered. "Uhh, are we sure those two are gonna be alright?"
After talking with Musubi, Takeshi left the pagoda with Lunatea. The Nurarihyon brought news from Lady Kyouko, saying that the Inari had a fleet awaiting to attack the Varjan blockade but needed a friendly port or the fleet will get worn down through attrition. Musubi said she would help the taskforce from the shadows as that was more her thing.
Somehow, Takeshi and Lunatea were together again, making things a little awkward considering their earlier interaction. Scratching the back of his head, Takeshi could not help but sigh. "Well, I guess we're together again." He remarked. The young lord was looking for something to separate from Lunatea and escape the awkardness, but decided not to.
"...You know, now that I thought about it." Takeshi started. "Had... everything been vastly different, I'd definitely consider getting together with you." He flashed her a goofy, yet genuine, smile.
“A moment or instant is enough, can use to block or become hard when enemy charge. So, what I need to do?”
"Indeed, that is the most common application of the technique for the novices." Nobutada nodded. "Become untouchable for the strongest strikes, before returning to the fold when the enemy is exhausted. Using the technique like that will make you fatigued in a very short time, though. Not very suitable in a prolonged fight."
"But I'm afraid calm and hunting will not do. You may be sitting still when you hunt, but you are tense. Alert. Ready to pounce at any moment. No..." The monk shook his head. "You must be relaxed. Your guard must be down. Your thoughts serene. Thinking of nothing at all also counts, merely basking in the quiet silence."
"Look, I know you are enamored with the technique and are willing to brave its difficulty..." Nobutada continued. "But wasting time here might be detrimental, when you could be learning other things more suited to your style and personality."
(Sorry, but we'll need to wait for AzureKnight to post for this one.)
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*
~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~
"Lord Takamori said that his traitorous daughter, Setsuna, is training Varjan archers in Ōmiya. I know this frightens him, even if he tries to hide it. If we don't find her and end this, there may be no stopping the archers, and no hope for Ōmiya Springs. We need to see Lord Takamori immediately." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SORAE TALES ~~
*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*
~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~
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..."
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."
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."
~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~
"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."
While I am thankful that you two didn't escalate this, this better be the last time this happens or we're gonna have problems. I seriously hope you two understand that.
The monk and Mika looked at each other in disbelief, but then the former slowly smiled and winked at the mother. "It appears I have been caught..." He started before turning around ominously. "You see, I am actually... an enemy mage!" The monk turned around again with the revelation, his arms stretched out. "Sent to this unsuspecting village to test my newest, nefarious scheme!"
Mika and her son gasped as the monk continued. "My new illness is quite diabolical! It is not for humans but for you, yokai! And it cannot be cured with normal means, no! In order to get better, victims must... drink the tears of their fellow yokai!" The monk continued his rather performative revelation. "But you can do nothing, yokai! You three are in no mood to cry right now and one of you is even a mechanical being! You are doomed, nyehehehe!"
The mother, confused at first, caught on and exclaimed. "By entering this village, you have infected yourselves! Yokai, you must bawl your eyes out to save yourselves!"
The silliness of this evil scheme invited doubt, but it was up to the taskforce on how to continue forward.
"Shizuka and I are not married. Which is to say. I am free."
"Oh?" Kazenosuke raised an eyebrow, not minding Io's close proximity as the Lich cast healing on him. "Hmm, we can have a drink when we have free time and see where to go from there." The dancing blade winked back.
“I’m not married to him as well, in fact I only recently met him as well as Io, also whatever your drinking, I think has burnt out any taste buds that you had”
Kazenosuke chuckled. "Well, what can I say? I am but a humble, wandering swordsman and humble, wandering swordsmen don't get to choose their drinks."
"What say you, Dancing Blade, will you come with us to meet with Takeshi and the rest of the Taskforce?"
"Sure, sure. I'll keep my end of the bargain." Kazenosuke replied, rubbing the back of his head once Io's spell was done. "Been a long time since I've seen ol' Tak. Although, not exactly looking forward to talking with him about my absence in Sanjo Beach." He sighed. "Right. So, do we take off now? I don't exactly have much, and my house is ruined pretty recently, so I'm all ready to go."
And with that, the mission to bring in Kazenosuke was done. The taskforce members could head back to Terauchi Temple or go somewhere else if they wish.
But suddenly, all three of the taskforce group caught the all too familiar signature energies of the Mad Hatter Alice pass by somewhere near. It appeared that the tall mushroom monster was on her way on a mission. Knowing her, it might be wise for Shizuka to follow the trail to keep Alice from danger. Or rather, keep others from the dangers of Alice.
"Moreover, who the hell wears that gaudy rainbow colored armor in the middle of the day in public on purpose without shame. You look like a tie-dye reject."
"Yeah! Tye-Die!"
"How dare you? I poured blood, sweat and tears making this custom armor for myself. Someone else's to be honest, but it still a lot of them." The rainbow knight retorted as Carroll and the Whimsy Blade continued to duel just nearby. "And I don't wanna hear that from a Queen that streaks naked in front of her subjects. And as for you, little Fairy... Nah, I got nothing. You're doing great so far, keep it up."
Amidst the clashing of the two sentient weapons, the rainbow knight continued with his hands on his hips. "Now then, what exactly are you two monsters doing here?" He asked firmly. "On a quest? On a mission? Or just here to terrify the islanders? Give 'em reason to join up with those wacky Varjans?"
"Because if it's the first two, maybe I can help." The weird knight offered. "Y'know, as soon as those two over there are done fighting. Hold on, if they're both weapons, how are they gonna hurt each other...?"
The ship Musubi was on had trouble finding a spot in the dock to land. The sunlight of midday made sure that one could clearly see that Otomo Port was filled with docked galleon warships fully armed with soldiers, monsters and men alike. Fortunately, but rather embarrassingly, one of the warships was moved out of the way to make way for Musubi's passenger ship. Upon disembarking, the Nurarihyon could see how prepared for war everyone in the port was. One could be mistake this humble fishing port for a military one. Perhaps it became one in the wake of the Varjan invasion of Shizuyama.
Musubi was with among other passengers and when they all out of the ship, they were greeted by none other than the white-furred Inari Lady of this island: Lady Kyouko. "Greetings everyone!" She happily waved at the newcomers, a rather out-of-place sight in this military atmosphere. "I'll be honest, I'm afraid you all caught me in a pretty... inconvenient moment right now. However, if you are here to see the sights of Akamagaseki, rest assured that they are all open and are not... like this. Carriages are available to take you anywhere in this island."
The other passengers jumped at the chance to speak with Lady Kyouko, the Lady of the island. The conversations were brief, though, as the Inari stressed that she was very busy with the activity in the port as evidence. Not that anyone was rude to island's Inari Lady. It was then Kyouko approached Musubi.
"Hello! It's been a while since I've seen those of your kind. This island doesn't get-- Hold on a second. Aren't you a member Lord Umitawa's court?" Kyouko squinted her eyes, recognizing Musubi.
The nurarihyon raised an eyebrow at the inari, after-which she raised a pointed, dainty index-finger over her own lips and made a soft, barely audible hushing noise. Perched on her bare shoulder, due to how she wore her low-cut kimono, a black crow-like bird - the size of your typical magpie - was sitting still and motionless, a pair of glowing blue eyes observing Kyouko curiously.
"Pleasure to meet you, my dear. I am indeed from Lord umitawa's domain." Musubi replied cordially, giving a slight bow to her monster-sibling. A slight smile was present on her lips. "I was dispatched here to... Inquire about the situation on Shizuyama. As you can imagine, my lord does not enjoy the presence of foreign invaders in his neighbours' backyard... Nor do I imagine any of the other Zipangu lords do." She continued, eyes half-closed as she took a long drag from her lit pipe, exhaling a thin, lazy stream of white smoke.
"Curious, you have all these ships and soldiers ready... And have had them ready for a while now, yet there has been no movement to engage the black ones' ships. One wonders if the young lady might be stalling for some reason, hmm~ ? I understand you are quite busy, my dear, so I do not wish to take up your precious time, so I will not ask for any long-winded recollections or pencil-thin details. Merely the most significant points will do just fine." The nurarihyon finished.
It appeared she had no intention of validating Kyouko's initial claim of her belonging to the court of the ruling lord on Tatemori island, but she was rather forward about getting answers herself.
"Oh? Does Lord Umitawa aim to help me?" Lady Kyouko replied. "I welcome any aid that goes my way, but I hesitated in asking the other Zipanguese islands for military aid. Not only is this not their fight, but for every warrior of another isle who dies in Shizuyama is a warrior who can no longer be there to defend their own home if Shizuyama falls." The Inari explained. "And asking to aid an island who hates them by principle is a very big request. Thus, I limit myself to my own forces and the taskforce I have in Shizuyama. All here on their own accord, of course. Anyone is free to leave at any time and for any reason."
"My fleet stands ready, but I cannot loose them yet." Lady Kyouko continued, looking to the warships at the dock. "They can take on any Varjan fleet of similar size, but the Varjan armada is not of similar size. Not only that, the enemy has surrounded and taken control of the major ports in Shizuyama. My ships can break through the blockade, but they might take time trying to take control of a port. Time that the Varjans will surely exploit." She then turned back to Musubi. "My fleet cannot be defeated, not unless Varjo takes all of its armies and sens them here, but we will take heavy losses if I attempt to attack now. Casualties I am not willing to suffer. No, a suitable port must be liberated before I can make a move."
"Which brings me to the taskforce I have in Shizuyama. The core team managed to get inside the island before the blockade, but any new members now must be teleported in. A... taxing activity, unfortunately." The Inari sheepishly smiled. "They performed better than I expected, you know? They managed to save the son of the Island Lord in the doomed battle in Sanjo Beach. With him on board, getting the locals to accept yokai aid should be much, much easier. Hopefully."
"Tell me, what is Lord Umitawa's stance on the matter?" Lady Kyouko asked Musubi. "You can be honest with me. I will hold no grudge even if he says good riddance to Shizuyama."
Waiting for kyouko to finish her words, the nurarihyon said nor did anything aside from patiently wait and listen. Once the inari was done and asked her own question, Musubi looked t her side at the myriad vessels and soldiers, letting out another thin stream of smoke before speaking.
"Yes... We saw the battle on the beach, or should I call it a slaughter? We also saw Old Lord Oja get himself captured and hauled off by the foreigners. One would have thought such a prideful man, who values tradition so dearly, would have committed seppuku in order to protect his own name and honor..." The nurarihyon replied, revealing that she, and most likely the rest of Lord Umitawa's court, were well aware of what had transpired on Shizuyama... Though as to how... Magic, perhaps?
"Ah, but you were asking about aid, yes? You are quite right, my lord has no love for Shizuyama and he will not be sending any soldiers to aid. Our island initially considered to intercept the Varjan fleet as it was approaching, but the other members of the lord's court managed to sway him to wait and see. How fortunate we did not waste any ships or soldiers on engaging a threat that was never meant for us." Musubi relayed, now inspecting her own fingernails in a nonchalant way. Then, suddenly, her violet eyes locked with Kyouko's.
"However. Even if we are not friends of Shizuyama, we are far less inclined to the people of Varjo. While we can tolerate Shizuyama and its people, so long as they keep to their borders, we can co-exist as passive-aggressive neighbours. However, should the Varjan invasion take Shizuyama, there will be none of that. They are as wild and aggressive as wounded boars, with an appetite for power and control to match. Allowing them to take a single piece of Zipangu soil will only cause trouble for the rest of us." She elaborated. A neighbour you dislike but can tolerate is far less of an issue than an aggressive home-invader, after all.
"Thus, while my lord will not send warriors or ships to Shizuyama... I might be able to do something for you myself, sweet girl." As she said this, the nurarihyon took another drag from her pipe, an amused smile on her face. "You spoke of a 'taskforce'... Hm, I believe we know of those too... The bundle of girls and that young swordsman, yes? What are you hoping they will accomplish?" She paused for a bit, then let out a puff of smoke. "You said that they would be relying on the little Oja-boy to gain favor with the locals... Are you perhaps trying to make stubborn old Shizuyama have a change of heart regarding us?" As she said this, a wry smile spread across Musubi's face.
"Lord Hideo Oja lead the only defense his island can muster, being there in the thick of the fighting. He has nothing to be ashamed of. I'm sure he wanted to die in that beach alongside his warriors." Lady Kyouko stated. "But even if he did want to take his own life, the Varjans will not let him. As we have his son, the Varjans have him. No doubt, the invaders will attempt to convince Lord Hideo to surrender so that the rest of Shizuyama will no longer resist."
"The taskforce..." Lady Kyouko addressed that point. "They were never supposed to do any fighting. I only recruited them as a reconnaissance team, to gather intelligence on what's going on about the continuous visits to Shizuyama by The Order represented by Varjan emissaries." She regaled the events before the invasion. "I feared the worst, but I didn't want to make any rash decisions. And the worst has, indeed, come. Far earlier than I ever expected."
"That's right, the Varjans have caught me unprepared." Lady Kyouko closed her eyes and sighed. "The Varjan armada came and attacked just as the taskforce arrived. Again, it was extremely lucky that they snagged Takeshi Oja alive."
"Now, the taskforce is there to, at least, stop Shizuyama from being completely overrun. They only need to hold out until I find a way to both break through the blockade and safely land my forces. If they manage to convince the locals to accept yokai aid, or even accept yokai fully, then that'll be a very nice bonus." The Inari continued. "Also, if they can somehow take over a major port and hold it, then that'll be my prime opportunity to unleash my fleet."
"Now then, Madam Musubi. What is this... probable thing you can do for me?"
At Kyouko's words and response, the nurarihyon's smile somewhat faded. It seemed the lady inari had not provided her with what she had wanted to hear. Or perhaps the monster from Tatemori was just playing games. She didn't respond to any of the matters regarding Shizuyama, the taskforce or the Oja. But when the final question came, she replied:
"Lord Umitawa may not be willing to send aid, but I am not Lord Umitawa." She statef, obviously. "You say your taskforce was meant to gather information, and you wish for them to liberate one of Shizuyama's ports. How fortunate for you that I came to visit then, as I happen to be quite good at the former and know a thing or two about both land and sea-warfare." She said calmly. "Normally, this is the sort of task you have your retinue deal with... But alas, I seem to have not brought any retainers." She feigned a melancholic sigh as she placed her free hand on one cheek. "To ensure the safety of Tatemori, it seems my only course of action is to lend you, my young fox, and your allies my help. After all..." She paused for dramatic effect, closing one eye and smiling cheekily now. "... I could not possibly leave such delicate matters in the hands of an Oja-boy still wet behind the ears. Call it a... Show of good will..." Musubi's words were very deliberate. It was rather obvious that her words, offer and decision right here did not in fact reflect or correspond to anything she'd likely discussed back on her home island.
In the end though, it was up to Kyouko to decide on whether she wanted the help of this neighbour or not. Though, before the inari could say anything, the nurarihyon did add a bit.
"Ah, yes. As for getting me onto Shizuyama, do not worry. I can provide you with some of my own energy, which should let you avoid getting all tuckered out. Or at least, less so.... Those scarab-girls in the desert lands really had some interesting tricks, huhu~"
Lady Kyouko's eyes widened in joy at Musubi lending her help to the cause. If the Inari had any suspicions to the Nurarihyon's ulterior motives, especially with the bird on Musubi's shoulder, she did not show it nor did she care for it. She was just glad that a known, reliable individual was going to go help Shizuyama on her own accord. "I... cannot express how elated I am, Madam Musubi." Lady Kyouko bowed. "Know that you have my deepest gratitude and you will be well-rewarded if everything we're doing is successful."
"And please, no need to share in the burden of the teleportation spell. You will need all the energy you have once your on the island. And besides, I already have a... benefactor helping me in that matter." Lady Kyouko finished. "Now then, do you have any more questions? This is a one-way trip that'll last a while so tell me anything that needs to be said."
At Kyouko's words, Musubi let out a soft, restrained but melodic chuckle.
"No need to get all teary-eyed, dear. I am, after all, doing this ultimately for my own home, not Shizuyama." She stated, affirming that there was no concern or real empathy for the plight of her besieged neighbours. If you do not wish for me to share in the ritual, then I shall respect your wishes. Although, did you not say earlier that anyone who volunteered was free to leave the cause if they so desired? But if this is, as you say, a one-way trip, how exactly are they free to abandon the cause, hmm~?" Musubi continued, respecting Kyouko's decision to not have her partake in the teleportation ritual's cost.
Taking a drag from her kiseru again, she let out a set of three rings of smoke, then stretched her neck backwards a bit. As she did, the magpie-sized crow-creature on her shoulder let out a hoarse and quiet caw. Its eyes ceased their luminence and turned to be as black as the rest of the little bird. Then, without further ado, it flapped its little wings and took to the air, flying first straight up and then beginning to head towards the north-west.
"Well then, no use in us standing around I suppose. Let us get on with it, my young lady. I imagine you have plenty to do that aside from entertaining me, yes? Oh, but I probably should be asking who your troop answers to, aside from the yonug Oja-boy. I would not wish to arrive and inadvertentlys say the wrong thing to your appointed commander." The nurarihyon finished, a mischievous smirk on her face... She clearly didn't mean what she just said... Regardless, it did at least look like she was ready to get going, as her pipe was - somehow - no longer lit and she'd neatly tucked it away. ... In her cleavage.
"Oh, that would be Sir Shizuka Kannazuki. At least, he's the technical leader of the taskforce." Lady Kyouko answered. "There's also Ayu who is my head spy on the island and assistant to the taskforce. She based on Terauchi Temple, where you will be teleported in."
Musubi was then led up a hill and into Lady Kyouko's estate. In the courtyard lay a wide stone platform with markings etched on it, a magic circle. A figure was also there obscured by robes and a hood, and the Nurarihyon could sense immense magical power coming from them. Lady Kyouko nodded at the figure who nodded back and Musubi was placed in the middle of the platform.
Lady Kyouko and the figure stretched their hands out and began to cast the teleportation spell. Musubi's sight was then engulfed with white light...
-
Takeshi raised an eyebrow at Lunatea's offer, not even two sentences away from warning him against becoming too close to each other. He cupped the rabbit yokai's averted chin and moved them so that her gaze was onto him again. "You warn me that we might be seen as lovers, yet you suggest that we two head to the hot springs, take our clothes off and wash each other?" His stern eyes looked straight into Lunatea's. "It's all rather perplexing, really."
"Or perhaps this is your new way of seducing me, now that your panty-flashing isn't working that much anymore." Takeshi leaned closer to Lunatea's face. "You aim pretty high, you know? Trying to get the heir of an Island Lord as your husband."
BA-DUMP!
Lunatea's heart skipped a beat the moment his hand cupped her chin. This was the first time a man (that wasn't her father) got this close to her and she really didn't know how to react. A blush crept into her cheeks and she could scarcely say anything as he got closer to her and exposed her plan to seduce him.
"That's…. that's not true! I'm not seducing you because you're the heir of this island! I'm doing it because I like you! I think—I think you'll make a great husband! You're strong and chivalrous, a-and you're not bad-looking either!"
This was the first time she had ever been this honest. She was always the firm believer that the man should make the first move. As such, any seductions she did would always be more "accidental" in nature than intentional. Like flashing her panties.
But this was the first time she asked a man to take a bath with her. Now that she thought about it, she didn't know why she blurted that out in the first place!
Takeshi's eyes widened at Lunatea's confession. A small blush crept up the young Oja's cheeks, even he did not expect the rabbit yokai to be so blunt and honest about her feelings. He let go of Lunatea's chin and leaned back so he could pinch his forehead at this unexpected turn of events. "I suppose I am flattered that you think I am more than the heir of this island's Lord. I do try my best at that regard and I appreciate the words, even from a yokai." Takeshi tried his best not to think about the fact that of all the men Lunatea has met, it was him who earned those words from her.
"I'll be honest, you'd make a great wife too, Lunatea. You're beautiful, as well as capable. Although, the other yokai in the taskforce are also those two words, more or less." Takeshi would be lying if he didn't find the yokai in the taskforce attractive. Save for the Fairy but if she wasn't tiny, she'd definitely fit in. "But... I don't think we can work. And not because it's my duty to battle the yokai." He then sighed. "You look like you're a traveler, Lunatea. If we get together, you might not have the chance to get out much anymore. And the same is true the other way around, I can't travel willy-nilly when I have an island to lead."
That, and Takeshi still had feelings for... her. Although, she and him seem to be drifting apart for some time now, exacerbated by the Varjan invasion and the decisions he made so far. The young Oja wondered if she, herself, still had feelings for him despite everything. If she had them at all, that is.
"So, uhh, do you wanna head to the hot springs first?"
When Takeshi called Lunatea beautiful, the wererabbit blushed. Once again, it was the very first time she had ever heard such a word being uttered in her presence (that wasn't said by her mother or father). Her heart skipped a beat and she averted her gaze, not wanting to look him right in the eyes.
But then, when he continued by rejecting her advance, her excitement disappeared. Like a sinking ship, her rabbit ears lowered and lowered, until the tip almost covered her forehead. Looking down, with an all too visible sadness on her face, she replied, "That's… you're right… I am a traveler. I will have to move around for my research. And you… you're the lord of this island… you have to stay here for the rest of your life…"
She fell silent, looking down at her own two feet. She remained that way for a few seemingly long moments before she let out a sigh and
She looked up, staring at him right in the eyes. "I understand. Your duty takes precedence above all else. I cannot possibly ask you to abandon this island. Nor can I stay here for the rest of my days. I have family in the outside world after all.
"The hot springs? I… think I'll pass. Sorry."
With those words, the wererabbit retreated, walking as fast as she could away from the young heir until she disappeared in a corner.
Takeshi did not follow Lunatea, his face a frown. Despite doing the right thing as a Shizuyaman, the young lord could not help but feel sorry for the rabbit yokai... and feel as if he made the wrong choice.
Upon turning the corner, Lunatea immediately bumped into Ayu. "Oh hi, Madam Lunatea! How are you?" The warm greeting immediately turned into shock upon seeing the forlorn face of the Wererabbit. "Oh, Miss Lunatea. Is something wrong?" Ayu immediately inquired. "You can tell me anything, okay? I'm here to help."
As soon as she said that, however, the pagoda near them lit up in light. Someone, once more, had teleported in. Ayu sighed as she turned to Lunatea. "Listen, let's continue this after we greet the newcomer. That's a promise. Also come with me so you don't slip away and get my promise to go unfulfilled."
When the white light faded from her sight, Musubi found that she was in an empty chamber. The appearance of her surroundings made her realize that she was in the familiar interior of a typical Zipanguese pagoda; One side was filled with candles and statuettes while the other side was a set of sliding doors. One of them slid open to reveal a white-haired human woman and a rabbit monster.
"Greetings! You must be here to join the taskforce." Ayu happily greeted the newcomer Nurarihyon. "I am Ayu and this is Lunatea, a taskforce member. Lord Takeshi Oja, the son of the Island Lord is also here somewhere. Welcome to Shizuyama... what's left of it anyway."
“Can teach, how to make me tough? So I can make axe and armor tougher too.”
"Ah, so you've met our Dragon Warriors and their Chi Shield technique." Nobutada replied. "Despite the similarities, my ability and the Chi Shield are very different. I'd say, my ability is pretty unique to myself only. I know how it works, but to teach it entirely to somebody else. That I cannot do."
"Fortunately, you wish to learn the Chi Shield and not the ability that I have." The large monk continued. "I know how the technique works, but are you sure it's something that's worth for you to learn? The Chi Shield requires being calm and peaceful in the middle of battle. Not only that, one must resist the urge to attack for a continuous time in order for it to be effective. That means, you must rely on your allies to fight for you while you distract the enemy."
"And from what I've seen so far, you're not exactly that kind of yokai."
“I think we should probably wait until her sister gets back first, unless you need it done now...”
"You're right. We should probably wait for the sister." Yurine replied before watching with amusement as Skarsneek assumed a position where he would be able to body lock Hinami should she awaken and thrash around again.
The old warrior sighed before bringing out a paper charm with some specific writing on it. "This! I meant this! Is the spider yokai using this to calm the undead down? If she is, what kind is she using?" Yurine scolded Skarsneek, right before Hinami started stirring. Her voice still the eerie wail of her feral state.
Yurine then placed the charm she had on Hinami's hat, hoping it would work. "This is a sealing charm to render the indestructible undead of old into a docile state. If it doesn't work, then get ready." The old warrior warned as she waited for Hinami's reaction to it.
As time passed with Atsuha in the warm water, the steam of the hot springs began to grow pretty thick and obscured the immediate area. The Jorou-Gumo could feel her vitality restored and fatigue lifted. It was about high-time for her to get up when she heard some very faint footsteps approaching and a figure emerged from the steam mist.
It was Takeshi Oja, fully naked save for his fundoshi undergarment. He was yawning wide as he approached and was about to take off his last piece of clothing when his eyes, fortunately or unfortunately, opened just in time. "M-Miss Atsuha?!" He immediately recoiled, trying to cover his body with his arms. "I-I didn't know you were here!" The young lord panicked, averting his eyes from the bathing Atsuha.
"I-I'll leave at once! Sorry to disturb you!"
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*
~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~
"Lord Takamori said that his traitorous daughter, Setsuna, is training Varjan archers in Ōmiya. I know this frightens him, even if he tries to hide it. If we don't find her and end this, there may be no stopping the archers, and no hope for Ōmiya Springs. We need to see Lord Takamori immediately." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SORAE TALES ~~
*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*
~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~
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..."
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."
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."
~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~
"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."
A second after Eula explained her function, the monk and the mother returned. The former had some moss in his hand and both had hope in their faces. "Remember, Mika. Crush the moss, add them into a cup of water and bring to a boil. Have your son drink the mixture and he should be fine the following morning." The monk said as the two entered the house.
"Thank you, healer." Mika nodded her head. "Rikuo, how are you doing? How's the yokai?"
"Mother, healer! I am doing fine." The boy immediately answered since he could not wait to break the news. "The two yokai, the hornet and this backpack girl. It looks like they're together!"
"What?"
"Really? I never would have guessed!"
"Now, now, Mika. Very few of the yokai have relationships like these with each other, but they do exist." The healer turned to Relica. "Still, even I did not know this. I am glad that you two found each other."
What was once one were now three. Truly, a lie travels way faster than the truth.
"No, no. I'm not here for you to help me. I'm here to help you, your dad and everyone else in this village out. See, a few of my friends and myself are with a monk who wants to heal you folks. I just have a couple of questions. How many of you have fallen ill? When did the first of you get sick and how?"
"Ill?" The boy repeated, confused. "Err, no one's sick in the village. At least, as far as I know. We are running low on food, though. Although, I suppose that's better than being attacked by Varjans..." Jin continued. "I wish the next supply caravan comes soon--"
"Jin! What's going on there? Is the yokai not leaving?"
The boy turned to answer, "No, no! She's-- she's leaving, father!" Before returning to Kerry. "I'm so sorry, miss yokai, but we don't want to involve ourselves in anything right now. Oh and, there are no ill people here. Really sorry and I hope you have a great day." Jin then closed the sliding door on the Hornet.
Kerry then remembered that the healer said earlier that despite their urgent business, he needed to go and assist the poisoned boy they are taking care of right now. That probably meant that this was not the settlement that was afflicted with the illness.
"How long must we continue this until someone keels over? There is no need to drag this contest out any longer, admit defeat Dancing Blade."
"Surrender and I can-"
“If it is not over yet, then I will make sure it is over….you won’t be standing for long….!”
Kazenosuke smiled as Yuki charged at him with her electric-charged Oni claws. Shizuka prepared for Kazenosuke's counterattack but Io's casting of a magical cage around the dancing swordsman was too late, Yuki was already upon him.
But Kazenosuke made no move to defend himself nor counterattack, he dropped down to the ground instantly instead. Yuki crashed through the wooden walls of the dancing swordsman's home, dazing the Oni a bit but otherwise unharmed. She could even get a glimpse of Kazenosuke's humble living quarters if she decided to look around. A single table, a mat to kneel on and some bits of miscellaneous furniture.
"Bwahahahahaha!" Kazenosuke burst out into laughter but made no attempt to escape Io's magic cage. "Oh man, that's so good!" He continued, wiping a tear off his eye. "Well, you've got me. Looks like it's my loss." The dancing swordsman surrendered. "You people work together well as a team. That's good, that'll be real useful against your enemies."
"Although, I shouldn't be surprised. You all are married, after all."
The rainbow knight tilted his head and simply watched Alice and Carroll sink into the water. "Huh, I didn't know Cursed Swords could do that. Did I read that file right...?" He remarked to himself, likely not heard by the underwater Mad Hatter.
Not long after, someone jumped in after Alice much to the rainbow knight's surprise. It was Liliana, but the knight did not know who she was. All he knew was that someone thought this Mad Hatter/Cursed Sword/Whatever was sinking and drowning and spared no thought in trying to save her. The rainbow knight supposed such a trait was blameless, if reckless.
The knight decided to give them a little helping hand by getting some rope, tying one end to a small anchor that was lying around and lowered it into the water where the monsters decided to go swimming. Now, one would think on how one measly knight could lift at least three monsters. But the rainbow knight would not be there if he wasn't good at his job.
It was not long after the taskforce arrived at the temple when Takeshi and Kikyo arrived too in their horses, although the group had long split up. The two warriors found only Lunatea when they entered the temple. Takeshi bid Kikyo farewell as they disembarked their horses and the young Oja approached the Wererabbit.
"Lunatea." Takeshi greeted, who had now replaced his kimono top with a similar garb. "I assume the others have gone to rest? It was a pretty hectic battle back there, wasn't it?" He guessed. "You know, you're gonna have to give that back someday." Takeshi motioned at his red kimono currently being worn by Lunatea. "I mean, I guess I can let you keep it. A nice, little souvenir from Shizuyama: The clothes of the Island Lord!"
"Anyway, I think I'm going to go have a dip on the springs before I do anything else. It's been a long day. What about you?" Takeshi might have not said it, but he would probably indulge Lunatea if she wanted him to do something else.
Seeking out Nobutada, Gringor managed to find the monk along with some refugee villagers at the back of a pagoda. The High Orc was not near enough for him to hear what they were discussing. His presence was noticed before he could get close enough and Nobutada bid the others farewell to go meet with Gringor.
"I see you're wearing some armor. Have you finally encountered a weapon that can pierce your yokai skin?" Nobutada noticed the High Orc's newly-equipped armor pieces. "And it looks Varjan too, have you decided to join the invaders?" The monk then let out a laugh. "I jest. The Varjans will never tolerate your presence."
"Have you come to me to just show off your new attire or is there something else?"
Skarsneek was shown an empty room inside a grain storage building with a bed by some helpful monks to place Hinami in. Not long after, a familiar old warrior came to visit them.
"How's the undead holding up?" Yurine asked. "Still knocked out? Well, I suppose that's for the best." The old woman remarked. "While I'm ready to begin the spell to visit her mindscape, I understand that we're all tired right now and I think we should talk to the undead herself regarding this."
"Do you know what the spider yokai does to calm her sister down?" Yurine asked Skarsneek. "I assume the undead isn't a feral that attacks everybody all the time."
Soaking in the warm waters of the spring, Atsuha's body immediately began to relax. Unfortunately, the burdens weighing on her mind might have prevented her from fully enjoying the spring. Perhaps it would be best for her to clear her mind for the time being in order to properly refresh it.
Easier said than done when Atsuha overheard two peasant women talking as they passed by springs. "I'm telling you, I saw him!" "I believe you think you saw him." "I'm not lying!" "Remember when you said you saw a Centaur a year ago?" "Yes..." "And it was just a horse rider behind a bush?" "This time it's different! It was Lord Takeshi Oja!" "Of course it was..."
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*
~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~
"Lord Takamori said that his traitorous daughter, Setsuna, is training Varjan archers in Ōmiya. I know this frightens him, even if he tries to hide it. If we don't find her and end this, there may be no stopping the archers, and no hope for Ōmiya Springs. We need to see Lord Takamori immediately." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SORAE TALES ~~
*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*
~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~
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..."
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."
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."
~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~
"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."
"A man of violence and healing, You're a strange one kid, I'll tell you that. In any case, I owe you one, a thief's honor."
"You are very much welcome, Sir Leon. I do appreciate being appreciated." Einer replied. The words were true... if he had been doing something else in the battlefield. "But I doubt the 'strange' part, however. Surely, others of similar profession would do what I did when faced with what happened back there."
---
Without any more deception or tricks, the traitorous factory worker lead the Reavers to the stolen weapons. They were in separate glass casings, indicating they were highly valuable compared to the run-of-the-mill magitech weapon. Einer's song died down into silence as the musician became entranced with the intricate designs of the stolen weapons. If he could wield them, oh, the possibilties were endless. Einer almost salivated, but the other Reavers questioned the worker.
Allegedly, their robbed client seemed to be robbed of morals as well.
"Mr.Josef, your supervisor? color me intrigued. Shame you have to confess that, it's a habit of mine not to leave loose ends until the contract is complete. Tell me what kind of man is he?"
"I concur with Sir Leon. Your claims make me curious as well." Einer averted his gaze from the weaponry and on to the interrogation. "Do be truthful, of course. I may be forgiving of lies, but I cannot say the same for my compatriots."
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