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"So, tell me, you're after a man who got snubbed by another woman, took up a life as a celibate warrior and who has, on multiple occasions, either turned you down or refused to even meet with you. What exactly do you think adding another, unaffiliated and neutral party to this next meeting of yours will do? Are you hoping that the pleas of a pair to see the man will convince his brethren to bring him to you? Or are you hoping to use me as a distraction so you can slip into their unsullied sanctuary and find your dream-muffin, hmm?"
Iskah took the reins to the summoned horse, and Vanessa rode on behind her. The steed was surprisingly obedient and sped out of Falkran quite smoothly. This was contrary to the memories of equines that Iskah inherited. Vanessa's magic was clearly at work here. Speaking of the Dark Mage, riding behind Iskah allowed the Lizardman to... gauge Vanessa's endowment quite accurately, much to Iskah's chagrin.
The two monsters rode on, with the midday sun and blue sky hanging above them and the fields of green before them. The landscape did not change much for the first few hours, but Vanessa could feel the shift in the air. As a monster, a Dark Mage no less, she was sensitive to the Demon Energy of her surroundings. And the farther they were from Falkran, that energy became thinner and thinner until it was barely there. It was one of the signs that one was leaving the Demon Realms and entering the lands of humans.
Iskah took a moment before answering Vanessa's question. "The... latter plan, I guess?" She answered sheepishly. "I'll be honest, I haven't thought about it too much. I've already tried sneaking and ambushing and flat out just sitting but as you can see, none of them worked. Which was why I thought things might be different if I had a partner or even a team. More creative plans, and all that." Iskah continued. "I'm also not a spellcaster, so I'm glad someone like you took up my offer. Now we can use some magic to help us. Although, I'm pretty sure the Lot Knights have all sorts of wards for people like you."
The trip took a few more hours and the sky turned to a burning red as the sun began setting. The path that Iskah and Vanessa rode on soon took them to quite an urban and developed town. From what Vanessa could feel, this place was devoid of Demon Energy. Which meant... "We're in Ortusian lands now. This is the town of Sinjid. One more town past this and we're in the Lunar Capital." Iskah informed the Dark Mage. "Despite no longer being part of The Order, the Ortusian people still regard monsters with suspicion. While they at least don't attack on sight, it's best not to cause any ruckus."
Iskah slowed the horse down to a trot as they entered Sinjid. Indeed, all the people that could be seen were humans, most of whom stared at the two monsters atop a horse entering the town. The shops and the taverns were open for their evening patrons and for travelers looking for a place to stay the night. "We can keep going if you like, Vanessa. But we can also stay here for the night and rest up. Our friend might need a break, afte all." Iskah patted the summoned horse on its mane.
"See, teleportation isn't the only way we can speed ourselves along. This lil' guy can speed us along just fine. You know how to ride, Iskah?"
"I-I know. I just... haven't actually done it for real." Iskah said as she approached the summoned horse, impressed at the Dark Mage's spell.
The Lizardman studied the steed for a moment before realizing something. "Umm, we'll need to outfit him with a saddle and reins and all that." Iskah said to Vanessa. "I can find a set real quick. Just stay here for a moment." And with that, Iskah started to walk off in search for riding equipment.
If the the summoned white horse did not need equipment to be ridden, or perhaps the beast simply dislike wearing anything, or maybe even the equipment could be conjured like the steed, Vanessa should probably stop Iskah right then and there so they could begin their journey already. Otherwise, the Lizardman would not take long before returning with the needed materials and begin mounting them on the horse.
Regardless, this could be an opportunity for Vanessa to ask for details regarding their mission.
"So, are we going to head on over and pluck your man right now? Is it far to these Lot Knights? I could always speed us up a little in that case."
"Uhh, Falkran isn't far from the Ortusian border but Wayland Keep, the headquarters of the Lot Knights, is in the capital. And that's pretty far from here. Maybe a week or nine days of travel." Iskah replied as she and Vanessa walked. "If you have teleportation spells or something like that, then we can certainly use them. Just... don't teleport inside the capital, much less Wayland Keep, since that's gonna get us in trouble."
"What did you have in mind in getting Aun out of the Lot Knights, Vanessa?" Iskah asked out of genuine curiosity. "He's not getting more celibate, I-I think, but with the war between Ortus and The Order getting hot again... I-I'm very worried he might do something he-he really shouldn't to." The Lizardman was sullen as she continued. "And... I'm fairly sure I'm not the only one chasing after Aun. But-but I don't think we need to worry about that right now."
"For example. Who is Lord Serek'uar? Is he the one leading this bloody invasion of these lands? Where is he keeping Lord Oja and what are his plans? Speak, wretch, and I might let you live a bit longer!"
"Lord Serek'uar is the most powerful Sapphire Prince in Varjo! Second only to the Weaver Of Fate!" Merneptah, surprisingly, answered pretty honestly. "And he has your precious Island Lord in Castle Kaneda! Hideo Oja is likely an ally of Varjo by now, and he will soon convince the rest of this backwater island to bend their knees to the Caldeyrons!"
Skarsneek attacked first and Merneptah fell for the feint, attempting to block the fake strike and getting hit by the real attack. "Argh!" Despite that, the Warlock still stood and he retaliated with a fast swing of both his ethereal blades. They looked like they would hurt but fortunately for Skarsneek, he was protected by Io's barrier spell. It may have been a spell against projectiles, but it worked anyway.
Shizuka was next and Merneptah, once again, fell for the trick attacks. The Warlock blocked the sheath with one of his swords and was about to slash Shizuka with the other, but the latter drew his blade faster. Shizuka's lightning-infused slash tore through Merneptah's armor and sprayed blood to a direction. The ethereal swords faded into nothing as the Warlock fell face first into the mud. Shizuka may have overdone it, but Merneptah still had a bit of spirit energy. Meaning he was still alive, but barely.
However, the taskforce trio would not have a chance to interrogate him. The fighting in the manor had attracted some patrols who rushed forth to aid their leaders. The conjured fog has lifted and they all stood in awe at the sight of the taskforce and the fallen Warlock. They knew what to do, yet their resolve wavered. Their arms were drawn, but they hesitated using them.
That was, until, the trio heard chanting coming from the patrols' backlines, which grew louder and louder until they could make out what the chant was.
"NA - KRATZ!"
"NA - KRATZ!"
"NA - KRATZ!"
The Varjan crowd parted to reveal a warrior in armor of overlapping plates and a steel mask that showed off a terrifying visage. This figure was familiar to the taskforce members present. Skarsneek fought him in Sanjo Village. Shizuka and Io saw him attempting to sway Kazenosuke to the Varjan side.
"Well, well, well. Look at what we have here." Na'kratz greeted the trio with arms stretched out, showing off his claw weapons on his gauntlets. The chanting continued as he spoke. "A bunch of misfits trying to take a fortress-town by their lonesome by eliminating the leadership. Smart and bold, I'll give you three that." The taskforce trio could feel danger emanating from this one warrior. "Well, the leadership is here. What are you waiting for?"
The rain continued to pour, but the water could not put out the fiery morale the Varjans currently possess. It will be up to the taskforce to do that.
"Oh, it's the Goblin from Sanjo Village. I thought the locals would have carved you a new one already, but I suppose the Shizuyamans are weaker than I expected." Na'kratz recognized Skarsneek.
The Champion tried his best to listen for his opponent. But did not hear Liliana preparing her 'Heavenly Strike' technique at all, until it was far too late.
"Heavenly Strike!"
He heard the call out, and his body reacted accordingly. But it was all for naught, Liliana zipped from her position to just past the Champion in a fraction of a second. "Urgh..." The Varjan stood still for a moment before collapsing into a heap. This fight was over.
The summoned Minotaur continued wreaking havoc on the hapless Varjans, who were routing and fleeing from the perceived monstrosity. Meanwhile, Liliana heard the chanting of a crowd coming from the manor area. The sounds were far away, but she was close enough that she could make out what was being said.
"NA - KRATZ!"
"NA - KRATZ!"
"NA - KRATZ!"
Perhaps the warrior Fairy should head there to investigate, and maybe help her allies.
"Only a fool asks questions before the fight is over, yokai. Otherwise, your enemy can use their answers against you and gain the upper hand." Takamori lectured Kerry. "And whether or not you fight her isn't your decision to make. Maybe it's not even hers to make. If she's working for the Varjans, there's a good chance you and her will confront each other sooner or later."
"She's also claimed the lives of innocent Shizuyamans." Takamori's anger was gone, replaced with sorrow. "...Her life is forfeit."
Takamori said nothing more as Kerry woke up one of the surviving Varjan Footmen. "W-Wha--? Please, don't hurt me!" The Footman dangling on the edge held up his hands before Kerry and Takamori. "I'll do anything you want!"
"How about you answer our questions?" Takamori replied. "Setsuna? Where is she?"
"She's... she's a captain now, in our army. Has her own unit and everything. Some of the Varjans couldn't believe they were taking orders from a local, but the higher-ups have made their decision." The Footman answered, surprisingly honestly. "She's never in one place for too long. Trains the guys in one fort, then heads to another."
"Do you have anything else? Hearsay? Rumors?" Takamori pressed.
"There's a... there's a recurring topic with her, from what I've heard." The Footman continued. "Something about her teacher, and some hot springs."
The last words made Takamori suddenly walk away to ruminate, staring at the valley with his mind elsewhere. It was doubtful he cared much about what Kerry would do to their Footman captive. "Look, that's all I know. I swear!" He begged the Hornet.
Sorae nodded. She waited a moment for Eula to align the shot perfectly so she need not worry about the Firethrower and just focus on the chaff.
When the warrior woman charged with a yell, the Varjan group immediately noticed. The Firethrower was the first to greet Sorae, and the first to fall thanks to Eula's precise stunning shot. Sorae made quick work of the Brigands, felling them with a single slash each with her naginata. The two Varjan Warriors required more work, but Eula bore witness to Sorae's unique ability. Whenever she stood on one leg like a crane bird and her naginata withdrawn, the Varjan's swings seem to go through her which allowed for some very devastating counterattacks.
Meanwhile, the tied up woman was left all alone. Her arms were firmly bound to her body, but her feet was still free. She used this opportunity to haul ass, running away from the fight as quickly as she could. Since this woman was apparently the objective, Eula should probably go after her.
"Simple, they fought hard, lost and captured. Then treat them well so they can join, since they're stronger. Same for orcs, losers that don't fight, not fun. Those that fight good and lose, still losers but fun and have worth."
"I think my nee-san calls it reverse...psy-chology? It's where you act the opposite of how you normally would towards a person to get them to do what you want! My nee-san always did it when clients didn't pay a good enough fee for our services!"
Kikyo was silent at Gringor and Hinami's words, merely looking away. It seemed their answers gave her some very unpleasant thoughts. "...Let's go rendezvous with Lord Takeshi. I must inform him of this."
"Honestly, you're always so reckless. You're well being is important for the survival of these lands, plus you should respect that it's our job to look after you!"
"Ah, man. If I had a gold coin every time someone said that to me, I could probably hire an army to defeat the Varjans!" Takeshi laughed at his own joke, patting one of Atsuha's arachnid legs seemingly without a care in the world. "But seriously, I appreciate what you're doing. I really do."
"Though, oddly enough, the prisoners didn't seem worse for the wear. Given the Varjan's track record, you'd think they be covered in wounds and on the verge of starvation..."
The smile on Takeshi's face disappeared, as confusion set in. "...Pardon?"
"She speaks the truth, milord." Kikyo arrived with Gringor and Hinami. "It doesn't make any sense. The men said the Varjans didn't hurt them. They were fed, instead. Good food too." It was no wonder Atsuha heard them singing before she rescued them.
Takeshi was beginning to piece together what was happening. "Let's just be grateful they've been rescued."
"Why? Why would the Varjans feed them and treat them differently?" Kikyo pressed the issue.
"Maybe they were expecting something in return." Takeshi said out loud the obvious part.
Kikyo looked away and was silent for a moment, before speaking again. "These men will be indebted to you. You have their gratitude, and mine too." The warrior woman bowed at Takeshi, who smiled back. "I'll lead the freed prisoners back to Terauchi Temple. You're all free to join me if you wish." Kikyo said before taking command of the liberated warriors.
Takeshi then joined the taskforce members present. "Let's hope Shizuka and his group are doing well. Once they've returned, we can begin planning a rescue of my father." He said to them. "But that's for the immediate future. Right now, do any of you wanna go somewhere or should we all head back to the temple?"
~~ 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'll be helping me with an experiment, and in return, I'll help you recover this man of yours. I'm at your disposal, milady, please give your command."
Iskah returned Vanessa's handshake. She had a bad feeling as to what kind of experiment this Dark Mage had in mind, but that was a problem for the future. "Thank you very much, Miss Vanessa. You have no idea how much this means to me."
"Now then, shall we sta-- Hey, wait!" Iskah was surprised when Vanessa immediately grabbed her staff and was already heading out of the inn. The Lizardman hastily paid for her drink before taking her sword to follow Vanessa.
It was still midday when the two exited the Singing Satyr Inn. "Well, before I give you any commands, I think you should first know about our objective." Iskah began to explain. "Aun used to be a carpenter here in Falkran and he fell in love with a Lizardman. Another Lizardman. They... Let's just say it didn't work out. That other Lizardman was destined for another. Instead of moving on since there are plenty of other Lizardmen like me, he decided to enlist with the Lot Knights of Ortus: A celibate order of knights duty-bound to protect the citizens of Ortus. Have I mentioned that Aun is not a citizen of Ortus?"
"Lot Knights can renounce their oaths and live normally again, but Aun is... I guess still in love with Jessica. He had already refused my challenges and... I kinda got kicked out of their castle for badgering him too much." Iskah finished. "I'm not entirely sure how to get him out, but I think making him fight me in a spar will be a huge first step. You know, before it's all too late..."
”Camael and I alone will crush you! The others won’t even need to get involved, they can sit back and watch you whimper as my flames cook you! If you fight as badly as you tell jokes, this won’t take long. Prepare yourself, vagabond!”
"Whoa! This is the first time I've seen such a yokai!" Kazenosuke was actually taken aback when Vară transformed into a more fierce appearance, making the swordsman instinctively unsheathe his sword from its scabbard. "Looks like I've bitten more than I could chew! Haha!"
Kazenosuke first spun his sword but jumped to the side to evade Vară's fiery downward strike. The burning embers that spewed forth were all shattered against the twirling blade. Vivian moved to intercept him and strike with her sharpened, icy leg but it met Kazenosuke's spinning sword and stumbled her, allowing the dancing swordsman to land three, quick slashes on the Glacies. Fortunately, Vivian's monstrous physique protected her for now.
Kazenosuke raised an eyebrow when the shadowy rats emerged from Zeka's black fog to overwhelm him. The dancing swordsman smirked as he spun with his blade and scabbard stretched out, reminiscent of a ballerina should Vivian see it. Once the swarm was dealt with, Kazenosuke kicked one of the still-hot embers into the dark fog... which missed Zeka, but it was close.
One of the Firethrowers was pushed into the inferno by Matsuri's firework, joining the flames he started and never returning. But when the little Inari looked again, the Varjans were further thinned out. Now, only two Firethrowers were left out of the original five and several Brigands were left standing.
Still, Matsuri was noticed but fortunately, both the remaining Brigands and Firethrowers were covering their ears and disoriented from the little Inari's Bang-Bang Bomber. With this happening, Matsuri now had enough time to--
"Gotcha!"
Someone seized Matsuri's arm from behind, a Brigand had somehow sneaked up behind her. He was clad in mere fur pelts and had a one-handed axe in his other hand. "You annoying fox! I'll rip your ears out and wear them as a necklace!" He raised his axe to swing against the little Inari.
But Matsuri possessed the physique of a monster, she was quick enough to do something about this. Or will she be too consumed by fear and be frozen by shock?
”Err, however, it he couldn't come back with me currently as through less than good news - we've found evidence that his daughter has apparently betrayed her people by siding with the Varjans. He's further investigating the matter, but he'd assured me that you could call on his bow at anytime.”
"You've done well, Madam Lavinia. Although, this is the first time I've heard that he has a daughter." Takeshi remarked, breaking from Kirei for a moment. "However, it is good to know that Lord Takamori is alive and willing to join us. Still, we should help him find his daughter if we can. If what you say is true, then she is a danger to the people of Shizuyama."
”My goodness, I didn't know we had spelunkers as part of our merry little group. We could you possibly be off to, dressed like that.”
"I'm quite curious too." Ayu also chimed about Ripcord, putting a hand on her hip. "Not only are most mines in this island over at Ginirokaze, what are you planning mine and what are you gonna use it for?"
Despite searching, Umami would find that Terauchi Temple did not have any sort of request board. Only the words and gossip of peasant refugees who were brave enough to speak to the yokai they were taught to fear all their lives and ask for their aid.
”Milord, I'd like for you, Ayu-chan, and Janus-san to understand that I'm quite confident in my smithy skills as well. If you ever need weapon repair, armory resupply, or general tools, simply come to me and I'll work my literal magic. The metal I generate is leagues above most of what you'll come across; You won't be disappointed in my work. Heh, although I'm more comfortable with making weapons that household tools, if I'm being honest. ”
"I see. Not a mere warrior but a magical blacksmith as well who can conjure metal at will. You have quite the repertoire of skills, Sir Kannazuki." Takeshi remarked. "But I would not underestimate the skills of our local smiths as well. You might be better than them at the craft, but you are far more useful in battle than they are. That said, your abilities have been noted and I'll definitely call upon you should need arise."
Takeshi joined Kirei as he greeted the Claremont sisters, keeping quiet as the siblings did not seem the social sort. Before the interaction could go any further, Kirei sensed something's chi coming fast to the temple.
”Appears we've more company Milord. I can tell it's another yōkai, so she's likely an ally.”
"A member of the taskforce, I assume?" Takeshi commented as Tomi descended from the sky.
"You are not Shizuka, but you bear the same scent? Who are you? Actually... where are we? I do not recognize this temple. Well—I do, but also... not? It feels different. Are you the task force?"
Takeshi would have answered first, but it appeared this golden Dragon was asking Kirei directly and would only accept answers from him.
~~ 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."
"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 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."
Iskah was in the middle of another swig when the doors to the inn flew open, almost making her spit out her drink. All eyes were on this newcomer, a seemingly-human woman in a scandalous outfit that exposed a lot of skin topped off with a witch hat. A Dark Mage, to those who knew. And Iskah knew, thanks to the memories of the Lizardman she mimicked. Despite the rude and flashy entrance, Iskah admitted she was beautiful. Well, all monsters were but this Dark Mage definitely took care of her appearance.
To Iskah's surprise, however, the Dark Mage approached her table and took a seat on the opposite side. Her heart started racing, there was no other reason for this Dark Mage to meet with her save for this reason: She was here to help out with Aun.
"So, you need someone to help pull your hubbie outta some celibate knighthood, hm~? I could lend a hand, after all, I'm very good at handling a staff... But why don't you tell me more about this alleged reward first, alright? Oh, and I'm Vanessa by the way, nice to meet you, Iskah."
"Err..." Iskah had honestly hoped for a more... charitable individual to help her. Not someone who was already discussing payment. She also spoke about knowing how to handle a man's 'staff', which was something Iskah didn't need or want help with. Another woman who can potentially steal Aun from her? She was already dealing with that Salamander Katelyn!
But, the Lizardman supposed beggars cannot be choosers. This was someone who was willing to help and Iskah was not going to turn her down. "Well, not only will there be monetary compensation..." Iskah figured she and Aun could fill up some Mana Cages to sell for money. "...I will also assist you with my utmost if you fancy a man in our venture."
"Err, if you're interested in that kind of thing. If not, then I guess I can help you with an experiment or something?"
Iskah took another swig from her tankard after being finally finished with spreading her fliers for help. She had been handing them out for more than a week and today, the papers have ran out. Yet, none have responded so far which greatly concerned the Lizardman.
Well, 'Lizardman'. In truth, Iskah was a Doppelganger mimicking a Lizardman. She answered the unrequited love of a man named Aun, who loved a Lizardman yet the Lizardman did not love him back and found another instead. Alas, before Iskah could meet Aun, he had already fled his home in grief and pledged himself to the Lot Knights of the Kingdom Of Ortus. An order of knights who swore duty to their kingdom above all else, which meant no romantic or sexual relationships for the knights lest the blessing that comes with being a Lot Knight be revoked.
That said, Lot Knighthood is not eternal. Lot Knights can leave the order anytime they want which Iskah hoped Aun would do once he saw her, in the form of the Lizardman he fell in love with. She traveled all the way to the human kingdom of Ortus to challenge The Incubus Knight in battle, as all Lizardmen would do to their potential husbands. Contrary to her expectations, Aun, now named The Incubus Knight, had declined her challenge. It seemed Aun took his duty to this foreign kingdom very seriously to distract himself from the grief.
Iskah badgered the Lot Knights' home castle everyday for Aun until they finally got tired and had her thrown out the Ortusian capital. She was free to return, but Iskah knew she will only be thrown out again and with Ortus' war against The Order intensifying, she realized she will need help goading Aun out of the Lot Knights before it was too late.
With money loaned from a traveling Gyoubu Danuki, Iskah commissioned a stack of fliers asking for help with her love life. She had only been spreading them in the relatively-unknown Falkran and the surrounding towns and she realized she probably would have better reception in cities, especially with ones with Eros' temples or an office under The Demon Lord's army.
Then again, traveling to and from such places would take too much time that she didn't have. The Lizardman can only wait in this town and hope someone will answer her call, just as she answered Aun's.
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