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Nathaniel revealed that Lady Imre always could have fought. They only hired the Eon Tower since they did not know the strength of their assailants. The explanation only served to tell Einer that, basically, he was the only one that needed protecting in that carriage the entire trip.
His pride wounded and his insecurities reinforced, Einer was silent when they entered the clinic, the doctor fixed him up and he was discharged, ready to rejoin his fellow Reavers. Lady Imre and Ruecian were glad that that he recovered fine, but attention was the last thing Einer wanted right now. His silence at their words might have piqued curiosity, but Lady Imre's business fortunately diverted attention from that.
After that, the Reavers and their clients were all on their way back to where they started. Einer sulked on the inside, but he has recovered enough to be able to play some relaxing music during their ride. When it was time to say goodbye to Lady Imre, Einer bowed his head at her sympathies. Good thing too, or else he would have just glared noticeably at her.
”Alright, a job well done, team. Glad it seems like none of you are slacking on your training! Unless you guys have stuff to do somewhere else, I say we head back to the Tower. Got use some rest, especially Einer.”
Einer was now composed enough to talk again. "Indeed. I think I need to... relax for a bit once we get back." Just endure for now, the musician thought. Once he found his answer, then all of this will be in the past.
"Nah, nah. If you need even a thief's help, then who am I to turn you down? Hopefully, we can resolve these issues before any actual fighting starts..."
"That makes two of us." Lady Kyouko replied.
"And...I wanted to repay the help you gave him a long time ago. If he hadn't known then...that Inari that saved me might have never been able to help. Please Lady Kyouko, let me fight! Or even just cook and clean...those people need help, and even an amateur fox is better than nothing."
The Ryu closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh. "I'm not sure where your faith in your father being alright despite not knowing where he is comes from, but I don't think I can change your mind in this issue. And I suppose you are old enough to make your own decisions. Very well, I shall send you to Shizuyama as well."
"Now then, follow me, girls." Lady Kyouko then led Zeka and Matsuri into her estate then into the courtyard, where a large stone platform lay. The platform had engravings on it, marking a reusable magic circle. "Last warning, girls. The island of Shizuyama is anti-monster, in fact that stance made them allies with Varjo and The Order for a long time. Despite their deteriorating relationship, the people of Shizuyama will regard you with suspicion and fear. But please, they're good people. Just be patient with them." The Ryu then hurriedly added. "Err, best if you keep your ancestry secret, Miss Matsuri. Shizuyama does not... take kindly to 'traitors', if you know what I mean."
"Alright, stand in the middle and I will teleport you to Terauchi Temple in Shizuyama. That's the home base of my operatives there. Meet up with them and join the taskforce I've already sent there. Oh, and please assist the Oja Clan as much as you can." With Matsuri and Zeka in the middle of the platform, Lady Kyouko clapped her hands together and glowed with magical energy. The engravings on the platform also glowed.
White light then enveloped the two monsters' visions.
"But, she didn't really explain why it is that these lands despise the yokai so much. Was there some type of past war or enslavement? I mean, I figured after the Great Change, that would cause at least some changes in the social systems here. Do the people here even know about it?"
Takeshi looked at Kirei as if the latter had spoken blasphemy against something very holy. He supposed Kirei simply did not know the history of Shizuyama and thus, could not understand the island's stance on yokai. But the young lord remarked about the employer first. "Your employer, Lady Kyouko, seems to have a worrying amount of information about our affairs. Well, I suppose she does have base of spies that we never found out."
"Anyway, to answer your question: Yokai used to live in Shizuyama thousands of years ago, way before The Great Change. While the yokai didn't rule over the island directly, humans still lived under their oppression. Every day, a human must worry whether they would live through this day or meet their end, or worse, in the hands of a fickle yokai. And these yokai were everywhere, they stalked the roads and sometimes, they even stayed in people's homes... and no one could do about it."
"That is until my distant ancestor, Lord Minato Oja, gathered to him the greatest warriors he could find in the isles of Zipangu and began his campaign to expel or exterminate the yokai in Shizuyama. In, I think, over a decade, they succeeded and there was no yokai presence in the island since then. Well, until now." Takeshi finished. "We honor our ancestors and remember their suffering under the yokai. That is why we despise yokai. And besides, The Great Change may have transformed the yokai into alluring creatures, but they still kidnap men. Steal or tempt them from their parents, break families apart."
Realizing that Nyla was with them, Takeshi quickly apologized. "Err, no offense."
"Part of me still feels like your father is still alive, Takeshi-dono, so I'd let that lift your spirits, if only even slightly. If you don't mind me asking, what type of man is he?"
The young lord was now deeply suspicious of Kirei. Such a specific remark could not be a coincidence. His hand subtly slid to his sword's hilt. "...How did you know I thought about my father?"
"I don't suppose we could talk? That is, if you're not as vehemently against yokai as the Varjans."
"Lord Takeshi wants to know why you didn't join the battle at the beach. And I want to know why you were speaking with that despicable, murderous man in the mask!"
Kazenosuke's hand immediately went to his sword's hilt when the two yokai appeared. He was ready to draw even as they approached and spoke to them. While the red demon was certainly louder and more annoying, the dancing swordsman stayed his blade for now to listen though his sword hilt was still gripped just in case this was all a deceitful trap. He decided not to engage until he, himself, was engaged.
That said, he was not going to indulge these yokai's questions immediately. "I suppose we can talk, but I think I can summarize our talk in this next sentence: No, I won't be your husband." He replied rather cheekily to Vivian.
"And who I talk to is none of your business, little miss." Kazenosuke responded to Varã. "And what's this acting like a messenger from Takeshi? You do realize that he and his dad would've struck you down the moment they saw you."
The Claremont sisters found the brewery in the middle of the night. The sake brewery consisted of two wooden buildings, one for the actual sake brewing and one served as the brewers' living quarters. The former building was open filled with all sorts of tools and equipment related to sake brewing. As the two monsters arrived, they overhear two of the peasant workers talking.
"Ten, my lady." "Not enough. The Varjans will drink that in an afternoon."
The conversation was interrupted when they noticed Umami and Ripcord arriving. "Oh, hello there! Little late for a visit, is it not?" The peasant woman greeted. The sisters' attire aroused suspicion from the woman, but guessed that they weren't Varjans. "Would you care for some tea now that you're here?"
It was odd how a sake brewery would offer tea for visitors.
When Zeka and Matsuri's regained their sights, they were no longer in Lady Kyouko's estate and the stone platform. Instead, they were in a large wooden chamber held up by four pillars. On one side was something that seemed like a shrine with candles and statutes. On the other other side was a set of sliding doors, one of which opened and a human woman with black hair and green robes entered the chamber.
"Hello, there. You must be sent here by Lady Kyouko, right?" The no-nonsense woman greeted the two. "I'm Ayu and this is one of the pagodas of Terauchi Temple. I'm going to assume you're going to be part of the taskforce. All of the members are away at the moment, but you can talk to me and I can answer any questions you got."
"Oh yeah, I haven't told Lady Kyouko yet but the Varjans have landed in Shizuyama." Ayu added. "They've defeated Lord Oja's army and are now rampaging unimpeded across the island. The taskforce managed to rescue Lord Oja's son, though, so this island might have a chance yet."
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
"There's a monastery east of here called Fung Temple.
There's a monk there named Nobutada. He's one of the most sturdiest people I know, able to weather blows that could shatter boulders. When my father called for the monks of Fung Temple, I didn't see Nobutada among them. If he's still alive, he'll be in the monastery and he can lend us his aid."
"Sorae's skill with the naginata is fearsome and second to none. She and her clan was summoned to Sanjo Beach, but never appeared. We should head to their estate in the west and find out what happened to them and, if possible, recruit them to our cause."
"Takamori is a warrior whose eyes allow him to predict his opponent's next moves. An ability we could have used in Sanjo Beach if he showed up... but maybe it was good that he didn't or else we might have lost him too.
He has an archery dojo to the southwest. We can start looking for him there. We can certainly need his unique ability."
"Kageho is a shinobi who was supposed to attempt to sneak through the Varjan blockade alongside others. The last wave of shinobi that we could send. I... ordered them not to go anymore, behind my father's back, since it would have been a waste and the Varjans were upon us. It was too late to call for reinforcements from the other islands.
Still, I expected her to show up in Sanjo Beach with the other shinobi. But they didn't. Anyway, their hideout should be around here somewhere. Try looking for any suspicious clearings in the forests around here. We can use their help."
"Kazenosuke could deflect any attack with his spinning blade, and deliver slashes faster than the eye could see. I have no idea why he couldn't make it to Sanjo Beach. I know he's a ronin, but he still should have heeded my father.
Well, his house is near Terauchi Temple. Not very near, but just follow the river near the temple and we'll find his home and then we can ask for his help."
"Yurine has taken care of Clan Oja for as long as I can remember. Despite being a servant, I know she can swing her masakari axe pretty hard. I've little idea of her past but I know it involves tending cemeteries.
She should be in Castle Oja but my father sent her to Onrai to begin enacting some way to protect the graves from being desecrated by the invaders. I know of a famous cemetery south of Terauchi Temple. We can begin looking for her there and she'll surely help us."
"My childhood friend Kikyo was on an anti-yokai mission before all of this. I... was kind of glad she couldn't be on the beach and hoped that maybe she'll find a way to escape and live a full life elsewhere. But I know she would never do that.
If she's coming back, she would definitely head for Port Wadatsumi in the southeast. We should find her before she does anything... drastic."
~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~
There was a villager woman, crying alone near a large tree within Terauchi Temple.
"Yokai, could I speak with you? A group of bandits is terrorizing Sanjo. They slaughtered my whole family, like animals!
They were killed at our home, near a river. I am Saki, please avenge my family and stop those bandits."
An upset woman noticed the taskforce member approaching.
"As if losing our homes wasn't bad enough, we have to see Varjans in them as well.
They took a home nearby a few days ago. The man who lived there won't leave the area. He keeps begging for help."
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."
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 a shrine priestess who wasn't present in Sanjo Beach."
"They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not properly trained."
"Miss Ayu, I think you should stay with Shizuka. If anything goes wrong, you might be able to send a message or something, and be our eyes on the outside. At least, that's what I think. I'm not the best planner, but we're all a lot tougher than a normal person. If you got hurt, Takeshi would be super sad."
"But... Shizuka's going inside. How will that work?"
"She was talking about you."
"Oh."
"I... would've liked to participate in this mission alongside you." Ayu replied to Liliana, a little saddened that she would be staying in the sidelines. "But I suppose you're right. And besides, I think I've done my fair share of fighting back in the temple attack." The spy sighed.
---
The merchant Shizuka closed off the cart after the taskforce has embarked. Darkness enveloped the inside of the cart with only bits of light entering through the few tiny holes, the holes themselves too small for an eye to see anything outside. Not even Liliana's smaller eyes could see.
However, they did hear Ayu and Shizuka the merchant conversing as the cart got moving.
"How bad is the occupation of Komatsu Bay?"
"A few people fought back. The ones left alive became prisoners... or slaves-- Oh, damn! Varjans! Taskforce, get ready. They might search the cart."
"You said they don't do that!"
"At the fortress gates! I've never seen them this far out here. Ayu, you better skedaddle. I always arrive alone and your presence might make them suspicious."
The cart then continued moving. The taskforce could hear several voices, Varjan and Shizuyaman, as well as axes hitting wood.
"Please... my hands hurt..."
"Keep working!"
"You there! Stop!"
"Sake! Sake for Komatsu Bay!"
"Haha, sake! Hurry up, then!"
The cart moved again and the wails of the Shizuyaman prisoners died down... for now.
...
...
"It's the sake merchant. Open the gates!"
The taskforce heard two tall doors sliding open, and the cart was moving again.
"...I can't believe this worked."
Shizuka the merchant opened up his cart and allowed light for the taskforce. Moonlight, to be exact, it was already night when the taskforce successfully infiltrated the fortress town. They disembarked the cart in a grassy alleyway at the edge of the town. Wails and moans of pains could be heard faintly from the other areas of this occupied fortress.
"This is where we part ways for now." The merchant said to the taskforce. "I'll try to get as many Varjans drunk as possible, so they'll be unprepared for your attack. Stay safe, taskforce." Shizuka the swindler bid his farewell, but not without a final suggestion. Pointing to the building they were hiding behind, he suggested. "You can climb to the roof this building to get a better layout of the town."
From the roof of the small house, the taskforce could see that Komatsu Bay was roughly divided into two. One half was elevated than the other thanks to the natural terrain. In the elevated part, there were a few houses as well as a fancy estate where the town's ruler presumably lived. The lower part was where most of the buildings were located, and there was noticeable barracks smack dab in the middle protected by four watchtowers.
In the horizon, they could see the dock and the bay itself. Both filled with Varjan galleons and ships, but at least the docked ones appear to be unmanned.
Ayu's plan was to target the Varjan leaders of the garrison. They might need to search both the estate and the barracks.
Atsuha successfully infiltrated the seemingly one-entrance fort, evading the gazes of the Varjan guards which were mostly focused on the one entrance.
When she approached the prisoner cages, though, her words earlier rang false. The Shizuyamans imprisoned in the fort were... singing lively tunes to each other. Some were even laughing loudly at missing the lyrics or the beat. All in all, they were in a happy mood. One would think their Varjan captors would be annoyed by this but even that was not true, strange as that may be. A few Varjan Brigands were even tapping their weapons to the rhythm as they patrolled.
All that changed, however, when Atsuha unlocked their cages and dropped weapons in front. Picking up the weapons, the freed prisoners assaulted their Varjan captors while the alarm was raised. Atsuha fired off the signal, which was clearly seen by Kikyo, Hinami, Gringor... and a newly-arrived Takeshi.
"Hey guys, what'd I-- what's that?" The young lord disembarked his horse while looking at the light.
"Your spider friend snuck into the fort and that's her signal to attack. Come on!" Kikyo drew her sword and charged in with Takeshi following close behind.
As the battle of Fort Tanabe commenced, the attacking group saw that the two watchtowers situated near the only entrance to the fort each contained two Footmen archers who were raining down arrows on the freed prisoners. The arrow fire prevented the Shizuyamans from advancing, allowing the surprised Varjan garrison to begin rallying and regrouping.
"We need to take down those towers!" Kikyo pointed out as she slashed a Brigand on the back, her first kill of this battle.
Atsuha saw this too, but she also noticed that a cage she missed contained a large bear agitated by the fighting. Could this be utilized, or perhaps this was not the time to take advantage of a wild, scared bear.
The temple's residents all heard Alice, Kerry and Eula speak their pieces. The refugees all looked to Sorae for her reply, who simply shook her head and turned away. "Tsk. You think this is the first time we got speeches like from yokai? And what has the Automaton gain from speaking the truth?" The Tokinomiya lady began to walk away but not before saying her final words for the time being to the peasants. "...Do what you want."
With permission sort of granted, some of the refugees felt brave enough to sit on the summoned tables and begin helping themselves to the many treats of the tea party. Their faces lit up at the sweet tastes, which encouraged more of the peasants to join them.
"That's "first impressions" out of the way... I didn't want to be talk of the town so soon,"
"I believe you are one of the first monsters to ever set foot on this island for... millennia, I think." Revuel Arvida joined Carroll and Eula in their long table, pulling up a chair to sit in which somehow managed to support his and his armor's weight. "It will be difficult not to be the talk of the town. As well as the entire island, if I may add."
"From what I've heard, you are a member of the taskforce who apparently has suffered an unfortunate case of amnesia. In short, this is your first time here, isn't it? Hah, I recently just arrived here myself." Revuel said. "I'm surprised that despite the memory loss, you and your friend seem to have elected to stay here to help. I commend your kindness, but do you have any questions as to where you are or what the situation is?"
"And what of you, Miss Automaton?" Revuel turned to Eula. "Are your... systems holding up fine?"
"Stirring speech. That's so you." Takeshi remarked as he caught up with Alice and Kerry.
"Listen, I'm needed elsewhere so I can't hang out and catch up with you. We'll do that later, alright?" Takeshi then patted Alice on the back before looking at Kerry. "I leave her in your care, Miss Kerry." And with that, Takeshi whistled for his horse, hopped in and rode away.
---
The natural hot springs near Terauchi Temple was located in an elevated position overlooking the temple. A red-leaf tree provided cover for the spring as thin wisps of steam rose from the waters. The warmth emanated by the spring invited Alice and Kerry to bask in it, to sink their bodies in the comforting waters of the hot spring.
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
"Lady Kyouko needs a port to dock her fleet to properly engage the Varjan armada and deliver supplies, and that port will be Komatsu Bay. If we're going to liberate the fortress, we'll need help and Ayu says she has a friend for the job. We can join her and go to this friend's house, just outside Komatsu Bay." -Takeshi Oja
"We almost have everything we need to save my father. However, we cannot leave the refugees of Terauchi Temple defenseless. We need warriors to fortify and defend the temple while we are away. Kikyo knows of some imprisoned warriors who can help replenish our ranks." -Takeshi Oja
~~ 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 ~~
"Lady Sorae told me that Kana, Sogen's wife, has disappeared during the attack on the temple. She wants help tracking her down as Kana is the only lead we have on the identities and whereabouts of the killers of Clan Tokinomiya." -Takeshi Oja
~~ 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."
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."
~~ 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." -Takeshi Oja
"You sure you need someone like me in your posse? A thief is kinda out of their element on a battlefield."
"On the contrary, I think thieves are invaluable in the battlefield." Lady Kyouko offered a counter opinion. "Swinging weapons and slinging spells are only half the battle, you know?"
"But I digress. My scouts have told me that while the Varjan armada are moving to surround the island, I haven't received any reports of an outright invasion or battle. At least, not yet." The Ryu continued. "Regardless, missions undertaken by the taskforce should be more covert in nature rather than direct fighting." She stated with confidence. Unfortunately, none of the people present right now knew the true situation in the island.
"Of course, you are free to decline if you are feeling apprehensive about all this." Lady Kyouko said. "Worry not, nothing will be held against you by doing so."
"I'm...Matsuri Okitsu, Ma'am. A little while ago, my Papa- I-I mean my father came to you about a sickness I had. I'm all better now and I wanted to ask a favor of you. Please, let me go to Shizuyama too! My father was born there, a-and I don't want to think about it being conquered by anyone,"
"Oh my, a descendant of a Shizuyaman native." Lady Kyouko was genuinely surprised at Matsuri's words. "Hmm, I do recall someone coming to me for aid for their daughter but I was unable to help. Please forgive me, but I am glad that you gotten better." She bowed her head at the young Inari for a moment.
"But now that you have introduced yourself, I am now hesitant to actually send you to Shizuyama." Lady Kyouko frowned. "Your father has found a solution for your mortal sickness, so I doubt he'd want you in a potentially dangerous situation so soon. A sentiment I sympathize with. Where is your father anyway?"
"Lord Oja. As Lady Kyouko requested me to ensure your saftey...I will be tagging along."
”Make that three. I would much like to continue discussing the situation of the island with the young lord, captain-ly duties and all that. Plus, I feel that he'd benefit greatly having my blade at his side.”
Takeshi nodded. "Very well. Let us be off immediately." Despite his words, the young lord still felt troubled about his decision. He realized he was probably too rash about it, and it would definitely be something his father and his colleagues would disapprove of. Thinking about his father, Takeshi remembered last seeing him surrounded by Varjans. He was probably dead, wasn't he?
Takeshi closed his eyes to bottle up the emotions. He can mourn later, Shizuyama still needed saving.
---
The trio trekked out of Terauchi Temple with Takeshi leading the group. They passed through the dirt roads of Onrai without incident, allowing them to take in the rural landscape of this fertile region. The Varjans probably have not reached this far yet, but it would only be a matter of time.
Takeshi was still quietly contemplating about deciding to request aid from the yokai taskforce. Was that really the right decision? If he didn't, then his home island was doomed. But perhaps, that was better than this...?
"So, Sir Kirei." Takeshi started to distract himself. "You said you wanted to know more about Shizuyama's situation. What do you want to know in particular?" The young lord asked the taskforce's sole human. "What about you, Miss Nyla? Curious about anything regarding your charge?" He also asked the Shoggoth.
Varã and Vivian followed the river per Takeshi's directions and soon found a humble peasant house nested in a depression in the forested land right beside the flowing river. The house was pretty unremarkable, but there were some simple fishing equipment laying about near the river. Although, what would catch the two taskforce members' eyes immediately was the group of men in front of the house.
A group of three Varjans, two were the typical Varjan Warrior kind while the third was unique... and familiar. He was the Varjan that Varã fought in Sanjo Beach. The one who killed Sidonus. Of course, this Varjan was unfamiliar to Vivian. But his apparel of an iron mask and armor of overlapping plates made him stand out as someone important.
"Come now, there are already Shizuyamans joining us. Our peoples need not be enemies." The Varjan said. "We have confirmed reports that yokai have already reached and infiltrated the island. We should be together against them rather than each other, should we not?" After a few moments of silence, the Varjan continued. "Or maybe, you care little for those traditions. Perhaps, you covet Lord--"
"Leave. Please." Kazenosuke bluntly stated.
The Varjan snickered at the response. "I shall relay to my warriors not to cross you, so long as you do otherwise." He then turned to leave. "If you ever make up your mind, you know where to find me. Or Lord Serek'uar."
Kazenosuke was then left alone by the Varjan group. The warrior was deep in thought from the conversation with the Varjan, and could not sense the two monsters' presence hiding behind the trees.
"Indeed! You are correct! We are newly minted members! We serve Boss Kyouko, and have come to repair, restore, and revolutionize this kitchen! Umu!"
"We're ready to work! Rice will more than do as payment! We'll take meat and veggies for raises!"
Janus had to cover his ears a bit from Umami's sonic chirping. "A shapeshifting monster? Like a Doppelganger, but the race cannot do it to this extent." The spellcaster remarked about Umami. "And the maid appears to be another Shoggoth. Two Abyssal monsters in one island. I wonder where this path will lead..."
"Anyway, you two needn't work to eat. Well, not exactly like that but..." Janus started again for better clarity. "You can help yourselves to any supplies we have. All that is asked in return is to help the people of Shizuyama from the Varjan invasion. As long as you do that, you can eat as much as you want."
Janus then surveyed the newly-cleaned kitchen. "I suppose cleaning the kitchen counts as helping. A pretty good job, but I'd wager that aesthetics is the least of our problems right now. Why don't you two go talk to some villagers out there? If you can help them out, then I assure you that Lady Kyouko will be most pleased."
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
"There's a monastery east of here called Fung Temple.
There's a monk there named Nobutada. He's one of the most sturdiest people I know, able to weather blows that could shatter boulders. When my father called for the monks of Fung Temple, I didn't see Nobutada among them. If he's still alive, he'll be in the monastery and he can lend us his aid."
"Sorae's skill with the naginata is fearsome and second to none. She and her clan was summoned to Sanjo Beach, but never appeared. We should head to their estate in the west and find out what happened to them and, if possible, recruit them to our cause."
"Takamori is a warrior whose eyes allow him to predict his opponent's next moves. An ability we could have used in Sanjo Beach if he showed up... but maybe it was good that he didn't or else we might have lost him too.
He has an archery dojo to the southwest. We can start looking for him there. We can certainly need his unique ability."
"Kageho is a shinobi who was supposed to attempt to sneak through the Varjan blockade alongside others. The last wave of shinobi that we could send. I... ordered them not to go anymore, behind my father's back, since it would have been a waste and the Varjans were upon us. It was too late to call for reinforcements from the other islands.
Still, I expected her to show up in Sanjo Beach with the other shinobi. But they didn't. Anyway, their hideout should be around here somewhere. Try looking for any suspicious clearings in the forests around here. We can use their help."
"Kazenosuke could deflect any attack with his spinning blade, and deliver slashes faster than the eye could see. I have no idea why he couldn't make it to Sanjo Beach. I know he's a ronin, but he still should have heeded my father.
Well, his house is near Terauchi Temple. Not very near, but just follow the river near the temple and we'll find his home and then we can ask for his help."
"Yurine has taken care of Clan Oja for as long as I can remember. Despite being a servant, I know she can swing her masakari axe pretty hard. I've little idea of her past but I know it involves tending cemeteries.
She should be in Castle Oja but my father sent her to Onrai to begin enacting some way to protect the graves from being desecrated by the invaders. I know of a famous cemetery south of Terauchi Temple. We can begin looking for her there and she'll surely help us."
"My childhood friend Kikyo was on an anti-yokai mission before all of this. I... was kind of glad she couldn't be on the beach and hoped that maybe she'll find a way to escape and live a full life elsewhere. But I know she would never do that.
If she's coming back, she would definitely head for Port Wadatsumi in the southeast. We should find her before she does anything... drastic."
~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~
There was a villager woman, crying alone near a large tree within Terauchi Temple.
"Yokai, could I speak with you? A group of bandits is terrorizing Sanjo. They slaughtered my whole family, like animals!
They were killed at our home, near a river. I am Saki, please avenge my family and stop those bandits."
An upset woman noticed the taskforce member approaching.
"As if losing our homes wasn't bad enough, we have to see Varjans in them as well.
They took a home nearby a few days ago. The man who lived there won't leave the area. He keeps begging for help."
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."
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 a shrine priestess who wasn't present in Sanjo Beach."
"They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not properly trained."
"I read that the warriors of Shizuyama follow a path of honor."
"It is one of the many differences between us."
"Hmm. Then why do my men report that Takeshi Oja fights alongside yokai?"
"My son will never resort to such a thing."
"War brings out who we truly are."
"It has made you a dog." "Unleashed by The Order, to rape and pillage at their command."
"...Your son strays from your island's sacred traditions. He will become what you hate." "Unless you rejoin The Order, and their fight to restore peace to the world."
"You don't want allies. You want soldiers, to die in place of your own."
"Consider my offer. Help your son regain his honor, before his cowardice goes too far." "...And before I bring you his head."
"Even I could fit in some of these containers, if it came to that. With the sake in it, if necessary to keep your cover. I do not need to breathe."
"No need to hide in the barrels. My cart's fully covered, you can all fit in there with the sake." The merchant Shizuka said to Io.
"As to going inside the barrel, I won't suggest it. Too risky, competent soldiers would check all of them, and sake barrels aren't that hard to open either. Not unless one of you could fuddle them during the check. But what I can do, is climb up those walls from another angle while they're inspecting Shizuka there."
"Don't worry, they won't search my cart." Shizuka then let out a devilish chuckle. "At least, not anymore."
"It's the same sake delivery I always sell them. They looove my sake!" The merchant then imitated the voice of a stereotypical Varjan. "Sake, good! Give sake now!"
"And the garrison is too big for an inspection to distract enough soldiers for an opening." Ayu added. "I won't stop you from trying to sneak in through another angle, Sir Skarsneek, but you might get spotted."
"Plus, I bet it'll work! If this Shizuka's as brave as our Shizuka, then his name isn't Shizukan't! ...Or...I guess that doesn't really work. Forget it. But pleaaaaase Mr. Shorter, more-fun-to-poke Shizuka? Won't you help us?"
"Hey, hey! Stop that! Only my mother gets to do that." The short merchant shooed Liliana away from his pudgy cheeks. "What's she talking about anyway?"
"Shizuka is also the name of the swordsman." Ayu reluctantly revealed.
"Ohhh!" The merchant then approached the swordsman and patted the latter on the arm. "Nice to meet a fellow Shizuka. I have a feeling this is going to be a beautiful friendship." The azure swordsman could already see schemes forming behind the swindler's eyes.
"If we were poisoning it, I could prepare a spell that could cause an outbreak of zombification from the sake, perhaps..."
"I don't mind spiking their drinks, but rather not to anything to poison the water supply here. If there are any innocents there, they'll be affect as well. I'd rather you not create a small army of undead, it doesn't paint a good picture."
"Yeah, there were a few people there who fought back." Shizuka remarked. "The ones left alive became prisoners... or slaves."
"What are you and they specifically supposed to do inside the fortress port anyway?" The merchant asked Ayu.
"The initial plan was to sneak inside and search for the garrison's commander and captains. Then we get rid of them, make a ruckus, and hope the Varjans get demoralized enough to leave on their own. Basically, a sudden, daring attack on their morale to break them." Ayu iterated the plan to everyone. "But as long as we get rid of the garrison, I can go with any plan the taskforce offers."
"But let's not waste any more time here. We can discuss the plan further as we move to Komatsu Bay." Ayu declared.
"Ah! Let's have a drink first!" The shorter Shizuka attempted to delay to try cancelling the plan. "Talk this through." He smiled sheepishly at Ayu and the taskforce.
But to no avail. "Now, Shizuka!"
-
The taskforce along with Shizuka and Ayu approached the merchant's cart: A surprisingly fancy cart with lanterns and gourd bottles strung on it and a single horse to pull it. Like what the shorter Shizuka said, all sides of the cart was covered with straw and was large enough to hold several barrels of sake. There were already two inside, and the rest of the space was for the taskforce.
"When we get close to the port, you all can hide in the cart with the sake." Merchant Shizuka said as he inspected his cart for a bit. "All set! You sure you wanna go through with this?"
"We can't hesitate now. Not with Terauchi Temple in danger." Ayu answered. "I'm with you, taskforce. Just say where I need to be."
"If I can climb into the fort without being seen, I should be able to create an opening in which everyone else can enter. This plant I have on my person produces special petals that can induce drowsiness and delirium in people. With the guards incapacitated, I feel that should make it somewhat easier for you to enter and recuse the prisoners."
"Yep! Since my sister's a spider, she can climb on just about anything! Grin-san and I are pretty strong too, so um, maybewe could climb up too...?"
Kikyo closed her eyes for a moment before pulling several paper talismans on her and checking them one by one.
With a satisfied nod, she replied to the taskforce. "Good plan, yokai. We can definitely do that. But don't use your special petals because if it goes wrong, the prisoners are dead." She then continued, speaking to Atsuha. "Instead, try to free the prisoners and arm them. Then launch a signal and attack the Varjan garrison. Me and your fellow yokai will attack once we see the signal. That way, we'll crush the Varjans between us."
She then handed Atsuha a paper talisman. "This ofuda will launch a ball of light to the air. That'll be the signal."
"Any objections to my plan?" Kikyo then surveyed their surroundings again. "Damn it, where's Takeshi? Should we wait?"
Eula and Kerry would see magic from an unknown source repair the temple anew. Fires were put out, rubble rose to the air and reattached themselves to their buildings in an almost dance-like manner. Broken wooden beams were mended, the tiny splinters on the ground returning one by one to reform the wood. Refugees emerged from shelters and laborers stopped working to watch with awe and wonder as Terauchi Temple seemingly repaired itself.
Revuel had just finished lifting the last of the wreckage with telekinetic magic in his area to a suitable corner for salvage, only for the pile to float up and return to their original places in the buildings. The spellcaster was both glad that all was repaired anew and annoyed that his work was all for naught, leaving a neutral expression to his face.
"I'll take my tea, now."
Takeshi, too, was in awe at Alice's power. He whistled as the magic finished and approached the Mad Hatter lying flat on the ground. "Not bad. Is the jingle necessary?" He said before chuckling. A hand then extended from him for Alice to take. "You can't drink tea from there. Come on, time to enjoy the fruits of your labor."
The tea and tarts that seemingly appeared from thin air were approached cautiously by the refugee villagers. They looked enticing and scrumptious, but they didn't survive the Varjan invasion and made it to Terauchi Temple by being carefree. "Is... is this safe?" The villager closest to the tea party asked.
"Of course not." Sorae approached and looked at the tea and tarts with utmost disdain. "This is magic from Wonderland, one of the most terrifying ones out there. Partake, and you will be lost forever." The warrior woman warned the refugees.
Heeding the warning, some of the villagers began to back away.
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
"Lady Kyouko needs a port to dock her fleet to properly engage the Varjan armada and deliver supplies, and that port will be Komatsu Bay. If we're going to liberate the fortress, we'll need help and Ayu says she has a friend for the job. We can join her and go to this friend's house, just outside Komatsu Bay." -Takeshi Oja
"We almost have everything we need to save my father. However, we cannot leave the refugees of Terauchi Temple defenseless. We need warriors to fortify and defend the temple while we are away. Kikyo knows of some imprisoned warriors who can help replenish our ranks." -Takeshi Oja
~~ 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 ~~
"Lady Sorae told me that Kana, Sogen's wife, has disappeared during the attack on the temple. She wants help tracking her down as Kana is the only lead we have on the identities and whereabouts of the killers of Clan Tokinomiya." -Takeshi Oja
~~ 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."
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."
~~ 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." -Takeshi Oja
Zeka and Matsuri arrived at the location where they were told Lady Kyouko was currently residing, the port of Otomo in Akamagaseki island. The morning sun illuminated the port, which was very clearly preparing for battle if not outright war. Huge ships were docked while crates full of weapons and supplies littered the corners as sailors, soldiers and other staff took stock of them and loaded them to the vessels.
"Well, hello there." A gentle, female voice greeted the two monsters from behind. It was a beautiful Ryu with bluish hair and golden eyes: Lady Kyouko herself. "Ah, Miss Zeka Willows. I'm glad that you have arrived. A little late, if I am to be honest, but better late than never. My taskforce will need any help they can get."
"Hmm?" Lady Kyouko turned to Matsuri. "And who might you be, little one?"
When Umami and Ripcord took off in search of the kitchen without even responding to the greetings, Ayu pinched the bridge of her nose. "And I requested Lady Ayu not to send weirdoes..."
"Where are they going?" Takeshi watched the sisters leave. He would have chased after them to make sure they didn't cause trouble... if this was part of his clan's domain. The young lord remembered this temple was but a front for yokai spies.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but this place seems rather...ill-fit to be a base for a war,"
"That's because it's not a base for war." Ayu returned to her true, dry-witted self. "This is a base for Lady Kyouko's spies masquerading as a temple. So no, we don't have armories filled with weapons or tall walls and watchtowers." She finished. "Although, if what Lord Takeshi is true, that the Shizuyaman army was destroyed just recently, then we could certainly use those right about now."
"It goes against my code to do this but... I must ask for your aid, yokai." Takeshi reluctantly spoke up. "Without an ally nearby to help us, we all knew this Varjan invasion would be the end of us. But now that you're here, we can have a chance to drive the Varjans off Shizuyama. It's a big risk, but I'm choosing to put my trust in you. For now, at least."
"There are people I know who weren't on the beach. Strong, capable warriors. If they're still alive, we can gather them to our side then we'll have a force large enough to take on a Varjan warband." The young lord explained. "If they are being smart which I'm sure they are, they'll be hiding here in Onrai. We'll need to comb the region for their whereabouts, and perhaps we can establish a foothold somewhere in Shizuyama."
"I advise taking a major port, my lord." Ayu suggested. "With a friendly dock, Lady Kyouko can land some of her troops here to serve as our reinforcements. Not to mention, needed supplies like food and medicine." The spymaster said. "And don't worry about her fleet's power, my lord. I assure she and her forces are capable of taking on the Varjan armada. Not a big fan of any kind of losses, though..."
Takeshi sighed deeply. This was unraveling his world faster than he thought. "...Very well. We'll do that." The young lord replied. "Oh, I almost forgot..."
The young lord addressed the taskforce members present. "Almost all of you are yokai so at best, my friends won't listen to you and at worst, they'll try to kill you." Takeshi closed his eyes and cupped his chin for a moment before letting out a deep sigh. "...Tell them that I sent you and that I couldn't come because I was still dressed up as a miko. They'll know what that means and should be all ears... I hope."
"There's a monastery east of here called Fung Temple.
There's a monk there named Nobutada. He's one of the most sturdiest people I know, able to weather blows that could shatter boulders. When my father called for the monks of Fung Temple, I didn't see Nobutada among them. If he's still alive, he'll be in the monastery and he can lend us his aid."
"Sorae's skill with the naginata is fearsome and second to none. She and her clan was summoned to Sanjo Beach, but never appeared. We should head to their estate in the west and find out what happened to them and, if possible, recruit them to our cause."
"Takamori is a warrior whose eyes allow him to predict his opponent's next moves. An ability we could have used in Sanjo Beach if he showed up... but maybe it was good that he didn't or else we might have lost him too.
He has an archery dojo to the southwest. We can start looking for him there. We can certainly need his unique ability."
"Kageho is a shinobi who was supposed to attempt to sneak through the Varjan blockade alongside others. The last wave of shinobi that we could send. I... ordered them not to go anymore, behind my father's back, since it would have been a waste and the Varjans were upon us. It was too late to call for reinforcements from the other islands.
Still, I expected her to show up in Sanjo Beach with the other shinobi. But they didn't. Anyway, their hideout should be around here somewhere. Try looking for any suspicious clearings in the forests around here. We can use their help."
"Kazenosuke could deflect any attack with his spinning blade, and deliver slashes faster than the eye could see. I have no idea why he couldn't make it to Sanjo Beach. I know he's a ronin, but he still should have heeded my father.
Well, his house is near Terauchi Temple. Not very near, but just follow the river near the temple and we'll find his home and then we can ask for his help."
"Yurine has taken care of Clan Oja for as long as I can remember. Despite being a servant, I know she can swing her masakari axe pretty hard. I've little idea of her past but I know it involves tending cemeteries.
She should be in Castle Oja but my father sent her to Onrai to begin enacting some way to protect the graves from being desecrated by the invaders. I know of a famous cemetery south of Terauchi Temple. We can begin looking for her there and she'll surely help us."
"My childhood friend Kikyo was on an anti-yokai mission before all of this. I... was kind of glad she couldn't be on the beach and hoped that maybe she'll find a way to escape and live a full life elsewhere. But I know she would never do that.
If she's coming back, she would definitely head for Port Wadatsumi in the southeast. We should find her before she does anything... drastic."
"I, myself, will be looking for Kikyo. She's the last of the exiled Kinkakuji Clan." Takeshi finished. "And... she's someone special to me. I'd go alone, but I suppose any of you can tag along."
"And if I may add, yokai..." Ayu stepped in. "It'll also be a huge step if you helped the locals with their problems. This island doesn't trust you right now and we'll need their trust if we want to really help them."
The monks and refugees moved out of the way as Umami and Ripcord made their way to the temple's kitchen. Following the scent of rice, they find the temple's kitchen: A sizeable wooden shack with a cooking area that also functions as a storage space judging from the sacks and barrels of rice over to the side.
"You don't look like locals. Are you from the taskforce?" A male voice greeted the sisters from behind. "Hungry? I hope you like rice since I'm afraid recent events will limit the variety of dishes for the foreseeable future."
There was a villager woman, crying alone near a large tree within Terauchi Temple.
"Yokai, could I speak with you? A group of bandits is terrorizing Sanjo. They slaughtered my whole family, like animals!
They were killed at our home, near a river. I am Saki, please avenge my family and stop those bandits."
An upset woman noticed the taskforce member approaching.
"As if losing our homes wasn't bad enough, we have to see Varjans in them as well.
They took a home nearby a few days ago. The man who lived there won't leave the area. He keeps begging for help."
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."
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 a shrine priestess who wasn't present in Sanjo Beach."
"They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not properly trained."
The pain burned like hell. Einer writhed in the ground, clutching his shoulder that had a bullet tear a clean hole through it. His hand was drenched in blood, crimson spread outward as more of his clothes absorbed it. He wanted to scream all sorts of profanities, but his voice got stuck in his throat due to the pain. The musician was blind and oblivious to everything that was happening. If it weren't for his allies, Einer would have been finished off moments ago.
"Be still, and try to observe around you. You're lucky the bullet went clean through,"
Einer's tear-filled eyes looked up to Hector. The latter's healing spell relieved some of the pain, but there was no relieving the hurt to his pride. Arguably, much more damaged than his shoulder was. As Hector guarded him, tears streaked Einer's cheeks. The musician wondered why was fate so unkind to him? He enjoyed himself in his previous quest, he supposed. This was fate's retribution for having a small moment of pride. It was too much to ask for, wasn't it?
The fight continued on, with Ruecian and Shavis and the latter's familiar battled the remaining bandits. Einer watched with unabashed envy as they made short work of their opponents. But then, three bandits correctly thought that he, Hector and the carriage were vulnerable targets. Einer lamented again. That if he was any stronger, he could have done something about this. Fighting's a no-go, and his Thaumaturgy repertoire was unable to help Hector unless the enemy cast a curse every swing of their weapon. Truly, the situation could not be worse...
Suddenly, however, a bright light shone from the carriage. A warrior from inside took down a bandit, moving like a blur. When the person stopped moving, the figure revealed herself to be... "Madam Imre?"
A ringing sound in the head drowned out all noise as Einer's mental functions ceased as he stared at Imre. His ears heard the words, but none made it to his mind. Einer's body obediently followed the group as they embarked back into the carriage and quickly drove to the village to treat Einer's wound.
”Milady, I will lead Sir Devaron to the town physician post haste.”
As Nathaniel escorted Einer to the local physician, it was only that time when the bard regained his faculties. "She... could fight... ALL THIS TIME?!" He practically bellowed.
"...I feel this discussion is something, deeply personal." Revuel awkwardly observed the banter between Eula and Kerry. "I shall excuse myself."
The spellcaster moved to leave but had some parting words. "Oh, and you are very welcome, madam Automaton. Once we have some free time, I shall attempt to repair your eyes as well. Simply seek me out."
"Would you care to have us tag along, my young lord? ...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?"
"Of course, Madam Atsuha." Takeshi quickly answered, the words almost getting stuck in his throat. "You're very much welcome to join us."
Kikyo glared at the Hangai sisters, making her contempt for the yokai clear. Takeshi wanted to intervene but he feared setting off his already fuming childhood friend and so, could only look on nervously. However, Kikyo closed her eyes and sighed before adopting a softer expression. "I suppose it's also a pleasure to meet you, Hangai sisters. I heard you also saved Lord Takeshi in Sanjo Beach. You have my gratitude for that."
"As for your question, the prisoners are held in Fort Tanabe. The fort is pretty small and the Varjan garrison is relatively light... but that's more than enough to defend the place. The fort is on top of a plateau, with only one road going in and out. The garrison only needs to guard and fortify that one opening." Kikyo explained. "The plateau is steep and rocky. Climbing it is nigh-impossible."
"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."
"What...?" Takeshi did not wait for a response. He turned around and whistled for his horse, Kuro, who quickly answered his master's call and galloped to Takeshi's side.
"You're going to leave me with yokai?!" Kikyo demanded from her lord. "I thought you were going with me?"
"I am going with you." Takeshi assured as he embarked his horse. "Go on ahead to the watchtower at the bottom of the Fort Tanabe plateau. I'll either meet you or catch up with you there. Don't worry, this won't take long." The young lord then rode off in search of the rogue Alice and Carroll.
"...The yokai has thoroughly seduced him." Kikyo remarked as she watched Takeshi exit the temple grounds.
"He just considers them as his friends." Takamori said, in defense of the young lord. "He did the same thing for Kazenosuke, remember?"
"I thought we all agreed never to speak about that ever again." The aforementioned dancing swordsman complained.
Kikyo addressed the taskforce members going with her so far: Atsuha, Hinami and Gringor. "I shall hold my lord to his word. Let's go, yokai. I don't wanna find him already waiting for us there." The last Kinkakuji led the trio of yokai from the temple and toward Fort Tanabe, much to her consternation.
Ayu then spoke to the taskforce members going with her so far: Shizuka, Liliana, Io and Skarsneek. "Not gonna lie, this is going to be a huge undertaking. I advise taking a few hours of rest before heading out. I'll ride out first, though, to meet up with our contact and inform him about what's gonna happen. Here, I'll show you where his house is. We'll meet up there." The head spy then gave the taskforce members the directions.
The sun was setting, bathing the land with orange, when taskforce group found the solitary house some ways away from the Komatsu fortress. It seemed a simple wooden home of a typical peasant, albeit larger than most. The group also heard arguing inside with one of the voices belonging to Ayu.
"...keep everything quiet."
"You want quiet?!" A squeaky, male voice responded. "Don't ask me to rile up people who use blood as paint!"
"I wasn't asking." Ayu declared. "Not after Kirisame Shrine."
"That was a misunderstanding..."
"That was a scared Ronin warrior trying to wriggle out of trouble."
"And it worked! I offloaded that sour rice water and you--"
"--had to look over my shoulder, for a month!" Ayu finished. "You owe me, Shizuka."
"...I love this island as much as the next guy, but this is too dangerous. It'll never work." Noticing the taskforce that entered his house, he remarked to Ayu. "These the yokai?" He sounded unimpressed.
"You can call them 'Lady Kyouko's Taskforce'." Ayu replied.
The short man, apparently named Shizuka, gasped and quickly bowed his head. "Forgive me, my lords and ladies!" He then raised his head to introduce himself. "I am Shizuka! Upstanding merchant, renowned sake brewer."
"And the best swindler on the island!" Ayu interjected. "That's why he's going to help us sneak into Komatsu Bay."
"I keep telling you, that place is a fortress." The swindler Shizuka retorted. "You'll need an army to penetrate the walls."
"Or, a single delivery of sake."
The swindler let out a sarcastic chuckle before declaring. "It'll never work."
Under a setting sun, Kikyo and the taskforce group arrived at the base of the plateau where Fort Tanabe was situated in. Indeed, there was a watchtower here although unoccupied. The Kinkakuji lady looked up to behold the steep and rocky plateau, stony terrain covered all sides save for one: The sole entrance and exit of the fort. The rocks formed such a natural barrier that one could not even see the fort from the bottom.
"...and the road's winding too." Kikyo remarked to herself before turning to the yokai taskforce. "We'll wait here for Lord Takeshi, but I doubt he would want us to wait long so we'll begin the rescue in a few minutes. Assuming, of course, we have a plan to break into the fort and free the prisoners. Whom the Varjans will likely kill once they realize what's going on."
Lunatea had stayed in the temple to rest after exerting herself in the previous battle. She found herself in the company of Revuel Arvida, who was using telekinetic magic to lift rubble and debris into a neat pile to be cleaned later. "So if I am not mistaken, you are some sort of scholar? Neither seasoned fighter nor warrior?" Revuel spoke to the Wererabbit as he worked.
"I understand that the taskforce was formed to simply spy on the natives about their... deteriorating dealings with The Order. But as you can see, the situation has drastically changed. Combat is at the forefront of the taskforce." Revuel continued. "So why do you stay, Madam Lunatea? Out of pure kindness? I know some monsters who are like that. Or perhaps you fancy one of the locals?"
Before Lunatea could reply, however, a tired Takeshi arrived on his horse. "...I can't find them anywhere." He said to himself as he disembarked.
"No sign of this Alice--"
*SHINE*
Bright, white light shone from the teleportation pagoda, someone had arrived. Takeshi looked to Revuel, both men realizing that the usual greeter, Ayu, was not present. "Go meet them, milord. I shall join you as soon as I'm done with this." Revuel said to which Takeshi nodded and went off. "Going to join him, Madam Lunatea?"
Alice awakened in a dim, wooden, unfamiliar room. It was thematically Far Eastern, likely somewhere in the Zipanguese Isles in one of their temples. Four pillars stood to support the chamber and on one side, there was a simple shrine with some unlit candles and a few statues. On the opposite side were a set of sliding doors, sunlight shining through them.
One of the sliding doors opened and a young human man with brown hair and red robes clothing entered the chamber. "Hey there! I am Lord Takeshi Oja and welcome to Shizuyama." The young lord greeted, unaware of who he was talking due to the difference in appearance. "Are you sent here by this Lady Kyouko to join the taskforce? Because if so, then you're in luck! You've been successfully teleported to their headquarters." He told Alice with names unknown to her.
"You know, you look a lot like someone I know."
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
"Lady Kyouko needs a port to dock her fleet to properly engage the Varjan armada and deliver supplies, and that port will be Komatsu Bay. If we're going to liberate the fortress, we'll need help and Ayu says she has a friend for the job. We can join her and go to this friend's house, just outside Komatsu Bay." -Takeshi Oja
"We almost have everything we need to save my father. However, we cannot leave the refugees of Terauchi Temple defenseless. We need warriors to fortify and defend the temple while we are away. Kikyo knows of some imprisoned warriors who can help replenish our ranks." -Takeshi Oja
~~ 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 ~~
"Lady Sorae told me that Kana, Sogen's wife, has disappeared during the attack on the temple. She wants help tracking her down as Kana is the only lead we have on the identities and whereabouts of the killers of Clan Tokinomiya." -Takeshi Oja
~~ 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."
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."
~~ 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." -Takeshi Oja
"Peace, Hornet. I may look like the Varjans, but I assure you they consider me more an enemy than you are." The Warlock-looking fellow said, noticing Kerry's hand nearing her spear.
"I am Revuel Arvida from the Scarce Legion. My legion has forsaken their oaths to justice and has joined forces with the evil and wicked Varjo. I am here to make sure they don't harm anymore of the innocent and further besmirch the name." Revuel introduced himself. "When I heard that a sizeable force of Scarce Legion was invading Shizuyama, I immediately sought passage. That was how I met Lady Kyouko, and she graciously sent me here to fulfill my mission."
Revuel wanted to say more, but he kept quiet since it appeared that Kerry and Eula has an unfinished conversation. Although, his senses told him it was not a particularly pleasant one.
“....Anyone can verify if we can repurpose those anti-magic obelisks, load them into a catapult and see if it shuts down their magic too?
"That sounds like a great idea! I think! I wasn't here, so I don't know if they even use magic. But if they do? Great idea,"
"Errm, I'm pretty sure those anti-magic obelisks need to be rooted in the ground to actually work. Breaking any part of the device will dispel the effect." Ayu was sheepish in her remark, not wanting to be the bearer of bad news. "I know portable ones can be built, but I don't have the slightest idea on how to build one. Nor do I even know if it's worth building one just to lob it at the enemy. Much less, en masse."
Takeshi nodded. "And the Varjans can probably destroy it before we can take advantage of its effects. The only way for us to use it is have it as a stationary device to neuter the enemy's magic. Problem with that is, our side also utilizes a lot of magic."
"I wonder how they achieve nullification."
"Since we're fighting the Scarce Legion, a legion full of spellcasters, I'm pretty sure they know half-a-dozen spells that can imbue an object with anti-magic properties." Ayu answered Io. "But as spellcasters themselves, we'll probably not see much of these in their ranks. I guess if a fort or encampment doesn't have a Warlock in it, then it's likely you'll see this."
"I can turn invisible! I can help with Komatsu!"
"I can help with any of these. Though perhaps the raid would be the best for me."
"So we have madams Liliana and Io for the sneak attack on Komatsu Bay. We can certainly use their abilities to really wallop the Varjan garrison there." Ayu noted cheerfully. "Anyone else? Lord Takeshi?"
"I... think I'm going with Kikyo in rescuing her men." The young lord replied, which prompted the aforementioned woman to raise an eyebrow.
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
"Lady Kyouko needs a port to dock her fleet to properly engage the Varjan armada and deliver supplies, and that port will be Komatsu Bay. If we're going to liberate the fortress, we'll need help and Ayu says she has a friend for the job. We can join her and go to this friend's house, just outside Komatsu Bay." -Takeshi Oja
"We almost have everything we need to save my father. However, we cannot leave the refugees of Terauchi Temple defenseless. We need warriors to fortify and defend the temple while we are away. Kikyo knows of some imprisoned warriors who can help replenish our ranks." -Takeshi Oja
~~ 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 ~~
"Lady Sorae told me that Kana, Sogen's wife, has disappeared during the attack on the temple. She wants help tracking her down as Kana is the only lead we have on the identities and whereabouts of the killers of Clan Tokinomiya." -Takeshi Oja
~~ 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."
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."
~~ 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." -Takeshi Oja
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