Rezod92

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek

Soon enough, Kerry found Takamori training a group of peasants on how to use bows and arrows in a makeshift archery range. Their performance was.....well, a devil bug would do better. At least they'd got the arrows down range. The hawkeyed archer noticed the hornet's approach.

"Yokai. You're looking positive today. Had a good time last night? Finally charmed a Shizuyaman to share your bed?"

"Pffffft! Nope. I doubt a local could hope to ever dream of being a fraction as good as the one I was with last night.", Kerry responded, quite honestly despite the nearby audience. "So, any word on your turncoat kid?"

"Anyway, I found a lead regarding Setsuna. But I'm not sure if you are ready for her. I know I make her sound beyond human, and honestly that's not far off the mark. Setsuna is fearless. She may not be an initiated warrior of Shizuyama, or hail from any of the island's warrior clans, but she is a born killer."

"I think I'll be the judge of that when we face her. Though, I suppose you telling me to be cautious would have merit. You're the one that trained her, after all."

"Some recent refugees saw Varjans training in an archery range not far from here. I suspect Setsuna is there."

"Improving their aim, no doubt.", she commented, doing a final stretch. "Lead the way, archer."

Genshin Impact - Eikons [Current Chapter: Geo]

@Sho Minazuki

Time was of the essence. If Garrick was to catch up to his target, then that meant taking the quickest route available and seeing as how jumping on unstable platforms was very risky...

CRACK!

With his strength, the towering cryptid managed to knock down one of the pillars, haing it fall in a certain way to not only make a makeshift bridge for himself, but also for his Radient Sun allies who were catching up. He crossed the chasm and countined the chase.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek @Enkryption

The morning after...

"Well......at least it dried off through the night after I splashed it with the spring water in my haste. Thank the gods, no one saw me come back here naked."

A well-rested and dressed Kerry stepped out of the forest, returning from retrieving her clothes she left behind at the hot springs. The hornet stretched her alluring form as she took in the sunrise, the inhabitants of the temple grounds emerging from their homes to begin the new day. She must admit, Shizuyama had some of the most stunning sunrises she has seen in all of her travels. Along with her current mood, it made Kerry feel like she could take on the world.

Speaking of mood, Kerry felt good.

No....scratch that.

She felt fantastic.

In fact, I haven't felt this good in years., thought the hornet as she turned her head toward the temple with a smile. To where the mad hatter still slumbered inside.

Alice wasn't exaggerating when it came to the bedroom. Oh, Kerry put up a valiant fight, even had the former ruler on the ropes a few times, but in the end, Alice left the hornet a blissful mess.

The spearwoman shyly looked away, still smiling as her slightly flared red.

She kinda hoped there will be a repeat or two in the future.

Shaking her head to ward off the thoughts, Kerry would go search for Takamori.

She felt it was time to do something about his very wayward daughter.

Tales Of Shizuyama: Alternative (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek @The Irish Tree (MAT)

"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."

"That's askin' an awful lot, but we'll do our best." replied Zeka just as the white light enveloped her and Matsuri, transporting the duo to Shizuyama.

As the white light faded, the duo now stood within a large wooden chamber, one side showing a candle-lit shrine while the other revealed sliding doors. One of these opened and a black-haired woman wearing green robes entered the room.

"Hello, there. You must be sent here by Lady Kyouko, right? 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.

"Matsuri Okitsu, a pleasure to meet you. Oh, and you too, Ms. Zeka. Sorry. Didn't have a proper chance to introduce myself directly."

"Name's Zeka Willows. And yes, we're part of the taskforce.", the mouse girl responded before turning to Matsuri with a smile. Nice to meet you too, Matsuri. Let's get this job done, quick and clean."

Speaking of which....

"Oh yeah, I haven't told Lady Kyouko yet but the Varjans have landed in Shizuyama. 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."

......Shit.....

"Great, two things I hate a job becoming: Slow and dirty.", sighed Zeka, palm running down her face in resignation. "But as you said, we do have a shot. Best to get started, so where are the others?"

Upon being filled in by Ayu, Zeka would exit the temple and head off to find a man named Kazenosuke.....Wierd name, but who is she to judge? Going for a safe approach, Zeka concentrated her mana, her amulet glowing slightly as she became transparent, sticking to the shadows of the surrounding forest on her way toward her destination.

Tales Of Shizuyama: Alternative (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek

"On the contrary, I think thieves are invaluable in the battlefield. Swinging weapons and slinging spells are only half the battle, you know?"

"Is the other half knowing?", said Zeka, snickering. She couldn't help herself.

"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. Of course, you are free to decline if you are feeling apprehensive about all this. Worry not, nothing will be held against you by doing so."

"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..."

Once again, Zeka glances over to the sailors and soldiers loading weapons and supplies onto numerous ships.

"....Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally hoping we're done before that happens."

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek

"What the hell!?", Kerry exclaimed as everything around the workshop started rumbling. She quickly walked out of the tent, fearing the Varjans were having another siege on the temple. Yo, what's happening!? Are the Varjans...attacking.....again?

The hornet's statement trailed off as she took in the scene before her. It was like the siege never happened. Fires were put out, parts of the temple were restored, homes were repaired and even the measly stone gates were good as new. In the time Eula and Kerry were having their conversation, the state Terauchi Temple was in before versus now......the difference was night and day. Complete with tables serving tea and baked sweets. A second passed before Kerry realized what all of this was:

A tea party.

And the one responsible for all of this, while also currently laying it into Sorae big time, was...

"Alice???", Kerry whispered in stunned disbelief as she watched the mad hatter give her speech. Part of her thought this was a different person, but from the magical aura the hornet was sensing, this was the very same woman! Glancing off to the side to see another woman eating a plate of tarts, a second of sensing her aura confirmed that that was Carroll! Both the mad hatter and cursed sword were different yet the same! What the hell happened!?

As the mushroom woman strode off toward the hot springs, Kerry shook off her shock and walked toward a table full of treats.

What's that phrase you humans say? 'Don't look a gift horse in the mouth?'", she spoke aloud for Sorae and the other villagers to hear as she drank her tea. It was delicious. "If I were you, I'd shut up and eat my cake where I can get it. Appreciation and gratefulness go a long way, you know."

Not waiting for a response, Kerry finished her tea and grabbed a tart before following Alice toward the hot springs.

Tales Of Shizuyama: Alternative (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek

"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."

"Uuuh, yeah. I can see that plainly.", Zeka responded as she took in her surroundings, noting the large ships receiving cargos of weapons and supplies, all of which were tended to by sailors and soldiers. "You sure you need someone like me in your posse? A thief is kinda out of their element on a battlefield."

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@PaulHaynek @The Irish Tree (EUL)

Despite blushing at the intimate contact, Kerry was rendered speechless. Not just from Eula's words, but from her actions as well. The hornet has rarely ever seen.....well, any mamono behave like this. The level of compassion that Eula showed was.....damn near human. She could see it in the automaton's eyes, yet....there was also something else in them.

A part of her that was......damaged. Broken.....and it was something that no workshop can fix.

Seeing this reminded Kerry of a certain lesson.....Back in those simpler days...

Flashback

"Your feet are open."

"Huh? My fee-GAH!"

A younger and smaller Kerry fell on her bottom in a clearing near a forest. The 18-year-old insectoid got back on her feet, pouting as she glared at her sparring partner. A tall, dark-skinned man wearing a simple tan shirt with rolled up sleeves and brown trousers. Twirling his wooden staff before resting it on his shoulder, he walked up to the little mamono with a smirk.

"You were distracted again.", he spoke in a deep yet warm voice.

"That's because I finally got past your guard, dad! I got excited from that!", Kerry responded while pointing with her own staff, trying to justify where perceived credit was due.

"Yes, you did. But the goal was for you to make me move from my spot without using magic, which you have not done yet. Only when you've done so, we'll proceed with your training.", her father replied, earning him an even bigger pout from his daughter, which only made him chuckle before looking up to see the sun high in the sky. "It's midday. Come, let's head on home. Your mother is preparing lunch."

Later, the father and daughter duo were seen walking through the woods, conversating.

"So, still want to travel the world when you grow up?"

"Ugh, yes, dad. I still want to do it. Did mom convince you to talk me out of it now?"

"She's trying to talk you out of it because she loves you and worries about you, kiddo."

"I-I know that. And why am I the exception? Mom didn't have a problem with Quinn, Wendy and Orissa when we saw them off."

"Quinn is a spitting image of your mother, has her own dungeon, found her husband with it and is expecting their first child. Wendy, despite being a minotaur, became a successful baker down in Gnoll City. And Orissa, a siren, is a popular celebrity at the bard's guild up in East Bandelfall. What separates you from them is the fact you picked rather dangerous occupation to follow your dream, which is-"

"Becoming a mercenary, I get it. Still, seems like you're the only one who's not totally against my decision."

"Because I believe you have what it takes to make it out there on your own. Though, I will admit....I share in your mother's concern. For as much as she and I train you for what life may throw at you, we can't possibly prepare for everything it will throw at you."

"What...do you mean by that?", queried Kerry, trepidation creeping into her voice as she stopped walking, a concerned look on her face.

Her father stopped walking as well and sighed. He then turned to look at his daughter.

Kerry. The fourth born. His little stinger.

Setting his staff against a tree, he walked up to Kerry and put his hands on her shoulders, gazing at her with a serious visage.

"Listen up, Kerry.", he began, his tone loving yet stern. I'm sure by now you and your siblings have heard me regale you plenty of my war stories. As you got older, I've told you stories that were less glamorous and more....real. So I'm not lying when I tell you that I have seen some of the worst of what war brings out in people. When you start your life as a mercenary, you will come across it, at some point. I'm not saying this to scare you, only to prepare you. Fear. Hatred. Cruelty. Injustice. Every sort of bad evil you can think of. They all exist out there. Mainly around humans, but don't be shocked if you see mamono engage in it as well. It's just how the world is, sometimes. It will be harder for you especially because you're a mamono. Most humans will fear you, curse you, hate you or, if given the chance, will try to kill you. So, the best advice that I, your father, can give is this: Walk with a ready fist....while carrying a kind smile. Take in the sights as you go. Meet new people and learn new things.

"But most importantly, when you find the right people, make friends. Who knows? They may have been through the wringer just as much as you have...

"....if not more.", Kerry whispered to herself before sighing, smirking to herself.

Nearly 10 years since she left home and her dad is still taking her to school.

"Well, Eula, it's like you said: There is a shit ton of things to care of and the locals do need our help, no matter how much they bitch about. So let's bury this hatchet so we can get back to saving this island, yeah?"

Genshin Impact - Eikons [Current Chapter: Geo]

@Sho Minazuki

Garrick's reptilian eyes narrowed as he took in the strange and thoughtless movements of his opponents. The conclusion was obvious: They were mind-controlled and were meant to merely stall him.

Seeing as time was of the essence.....he will make this quick.

The large cryptid charged forward, dropping into a roll to avoid fire from the two Geo gunners. As he rose, Garrick stomped the ground hard, unleashing a minor quake to trip his enemies. Before a gunner could recover, Garrick body slammed him into a wall before taking Azure Vein and throwing it, impaling the other gunner through the chest. Instincts flaring, he side-stepped to avoid a slash from behind. In response, the cryptid threw a powerful hook to swordsman's temple, an audible crack echoing in the area as they fell to the ground. The last two swordsman tried to end him with a pincer maneuver, but was thwarted when Garrick's tail swept the feet of one while dodging and uppercut the other. Wanting to end this, Garrick shot his grappling hook to catch his airborne victim before slamming him back down into the other opponent that prone on the ground, finishing the duo simultaneously.

With the deed done, Garrick reached out with his hand, Azure Vein returning to him as he went deeper into the ruins, in pursuit of the Ameno thief.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

@The Irish Tree

"Well...I must admit, I'm rather upset Kikyo didn't pass my message along. Especially after she ranted at me about how I was simply saving lives so they'd be indebted to me."

"Tch, I believe you.", Kerry scoffed. "The sentiment is probably shared by everyone in Takeshi's inner circle. So ungrateful."

"You left, and as such were no longer a threat to the humans in the village. I had no reason to give chase. After you and Relica left, I followed the Monk back to his actual home, and there I helped cure the villagers of the disease that was affecting them. It turned out to simply be some poison in the well that was causing the issue. Likely Varjans."

The hornet stared at Eula with wide eyes, stunned at this revelation. Turns out there WAS village that was sick. Which means....

I robbed a monk of his money for no reason.

Regret and guilt suddenly manifested within her, like giant cockroaches that were crawling up her back.

"Are you serious?", Kerry uttered as she got up and began pacing, chitinous hands on her head as she came to grips over what she had done. "Then why the hell were we at that first village!? Why waste our time going there instead of going straight to the one that needed our help!? Now I feel like an absolute shithead! I...I have to tell Shizuka about this! FUCK!"

At this point, Kerry stopped pacing and took deep breaths to calm herself down. She'll have to resolve this issue as well. Sooner rather than later because if word got around that a member of the taskforce robbed a monk, it would destroy any and all trust the locals may have had with them, however meager that trust was. For now though....

"Okay, note to self: Give that monk his money back. Feel free to hold me to that promise, Eula.", she proclaimed as she sat back down to resume the discussion. "Second and final topic: Why did you shoot a warning shot at me? I get it, I robbed a local and that definitely is a major no-no in the taskforce. But like Relica said, that shot could've taken my head off. I've never seen an automaton react that strongly before. So...why?"