Reynard crossed his arms as the meeting came underway. It would be hard to mention at this point, but he too has an interest in ancient artifacts, after all, the weapon he held was one such too, but of obscure origin. He once hoped delving into this topic would lead him to the answer, yet it yielded no results. Despite this he gained some level of appreciation for these things. Carver was not the only one here interested in that sword on Jessica's hip. He wondered what origins it had, and how it even came to be. Thinking on it, perhaps this job would be a good opportunity to see it in action.
"If we're going to be on the road for a week, we should pack some food and drink before departing. Other than that I can say I'm ready", it shouldn't take long to do that, so they should be able to do so on the way out of Crocus.
It seems Carver had put a lot of planning for the actual expedition, but one week on the road could be a long time without supplies. He learned that fairly early in his months wandering. Crocus was a city plentiful with shops, no doubt they'd be able to get food and drink designed for long trips. The maps also didn't indicate any major settlements along the way either, and he mentioned terrain. Perhaps it would also be prudent to have other things such as rope...
"I suppose it would be prudent to ask if you have prepared anything in that regard, otherwise we can purchase some now on the way out of town".
"Welcome to the Central Onmyou Library of the Fujiwara, here we record all historical texts and techniques pertaining to onmyoudo. Many aspiring onmyou may order or request texts from our halls, or visit them directly. The security of our library is handled not by people, but by shikigami that have been made to be servants of the facility's core. As a result, do please try not to do anything suspicious, as the leniency of a human will not be present should you be judged harshly by our systems. Furthermore, if you do not find what you need here, might we suggest the branches in... Tokyo, Hokkaido, Shimonoseki, and Nagasaki. That will be all for the introduction. Do not hesitate to ask the shikigami for assistance, please, have a good day".
The last few minutes for Ultana was, strange, surrounded mainly by shikigami, and a few onmyouji who were poring over some texts over at some tables. Well, she could easily just ask the shikigami that has become dormant in front of her for directions, right? Though this was all done by magic, it felt a lot more like a robot than anything else. These shikigami looked a lot more like what she'd been led to believe they looked like, that being triangle pieces of paper with two arms and a circle for a head. Some of them had different markings likely to indicate roles, as well as varying sizes. There were numerous small ones that acted as guides like this one, as well as others at human size to handle stock like the staff of a library.
Fortunately this facility despite it's archaic ancient Japanese architecture, was clean, and well lit. There was still a rustic atmosphere along with it almost seeming like a shrine... Well, actually there was a shrine, in the very center of this underground library, with a shikigami there behind a counter. The aisles of this library were strange. While some were traditional books and even scrolls, others were... Tubes? If she asked one of the shikigami what they were, they were called kuda, a kind of container that contained entities. Supposedly some information was kept in dormant and safely stored shikigami rather than written, for various reasons apparently.
"Oh, yes I can do that. She'll be receiving it later today", Utsumi replied. He took the letter and put it away. What he'd do to send them off later was use a familiar to get it to a messenger between this and the next world. Eiseikato had a group of 'scouts' so to speak who kept an eye on the outside while also with authorized persons send messages, supplies, and so on. They did trading with the outside world afterall, through strictly private and confidential connections.
"Well, I hope you're enjoying your time here. I also trust you'll be careful with the weapons you may end up carrying, as part of your studies", like any teacher he gave some imparting worries, but frankly other than the events of yesterday, the impression Utsumi had of Otis was he was rather cautious.
"But, I'm sure you may have noticed, certain people running around and all, city's not the most calm right now, so just my suggestion to try not getting into any trouble alright?"
"My that's quite the spirit, I admire that, let it be more than just boasting then", she responded.
As the students began to choose what they wanted to try out, everyone split off to different groups in the dojo to practice the basics of their chosen forms. Lorelai was put with a few girls from the dojo, while the sensei watched every group from afar. It seems today was just basics, things like getting the form down, getting used to the yari, some of the key footwork, and so on.
The things she would be practicing consisted of doing the basic thrusts and the footwork. There wasn't much, but it would be practiced in repetition until she got used to it. Due to her experience with a proper steel weapon, she should very quickly acclimate to the weight and length of the practice yari.
@Crusader Lord Just a note, you're free to join the discord, since it's open not just to players but visitors as well. If you want to discuss things you can do it there.
"Well, I almost hoped you'd say no, at least that'd be pretty entertaining, well any case, I have to get going for today, so all I'll do now is show you one thing", he began, getting up.
He stood in the center of the area they were in, then drew his sword, resting it has side, before slowly bringing it in front of him, his arm at a diagonal down position while the blade was pointed straight in front of him. There was a long silence as they watched him, wondering what he was doing, but eventually a leaf fell upon the blade. What appeared to be a single swing he cut the leaf in half without so much as disturbing it's descent. The feat was not huge, nor was it flashy, it was a feat that would go unnoticed if done correctly. It appeared like a single cut, and what it appears to be is him turning the blade up and slashing, but such a movement should not be possible... So then there might be a trick to it?
He turned back to Aurelius putting his blade away before pulling out the spare katana from his belt, tossing it to Aurelius.
"By the end of the week you ought to be able to do that at least. Practice it with a proper katana, two edges is cheating", he noted.
"Welp, see ya tomorrow kid. If you somehow just run off with my katana don't worry about it, that one I picked up off some poor soul on the road", and with that... He was gone.
As Otis went downstairs to find Kuuto, it took maybe some time to realize he was not here, or... That he asked Utsumi where he was, and was given the answer. It appears he was quite busy with the case, which should not have been a big surprise all things considered.
"Aha... You mean the yokai and demon class members?", he looked at Otis carefully. It wasn't a long amount of time since he's had him in his class, but he more or less understands the curiosity. It was likely he was only curious.
"They're in a... Different program for this trip. I'm sure you can understand if I say that yokai and demons can't learn any form of exorcist techniques", he explained.
"Rest assured though, they are still fine, we get reports on their status every morning".
As Ultana came down also, she was greeted to the sight of Otis and Utsumi chatting. As soon as the exchange ended, she inquired to him about a library. To be honest, Utsumi was almost surprised, almost visibly, he had not taken Ultana as the type to be looking for a library of all things while out and about, but he was rather glad she took to exorcism, so it appears.
"Well, it's only available to the exorcist families of Kyoto, but I've been given a permit from Kuuto that allows students to visit it and browse it. If you're interested, I can give you the permissions to enter", he reached into his pocket and produced a small talisman. It was almost expected he would hand it over, but that appeared to not be the case.
"Place your finger upon this seal", he asked. As soon as Ultana did so, a kind of seal appeared on her hand, before disappearing.
"The library is on the Fujiwara household's grounds. If I recall you were there yesterday. I'm sure you may be wondering where this library might be, seeing as there was only the estate, but the library is underground", he explained.
"Simply ask about the library and present your hand to them for them to check for the seal and you will be allowed in. Please adhere to their rules while you are there as well", just like that he began to usual teacher spiel, but if Ultana was all good, then she could get going.
Lorelai was greeted with an old woman, well, older? She didn't seem granny old, but old enough to have a child who by now is an adult. There were only a few other students from Silver Gate here today, maybe at most four. As the teacher entered the room, everyone fell quiet and began to scramble.
What followed was a normal greeting for the dojo, seated, bows, then standing, and told to start practicing, but before Lorelai and the other Silver Gate members could join they were told to step back and watch, for now.
"Except you lot, I'd like to ask that you all watch for awhile. Today we will be demonstrating multiple forms of Shingan-ryu. This will be as much a learning experience for you, as it is good practice for my students", she stated.
Sure enough, that's what they did, seated at the sides watching the class go through the various types of styles and forms. They had of course, kenjutsu as expected, but they also had battoujutsu which was sword-drawing, unarmed combat, bojutsu or staff fighting, naginatajutsu, soujutsu which made use of a yari spear, arresting or apprehending arts, and even for resuscitation, which was only mentioned but not demonstrated.
After about maybe an hour of showing just a few forms from each, Lorelai and the Silver Gate students were asked what they wished to learn.
"Hmmm. While I can't share why, as that is part of the investigation, I can talk about Seirin and who she is", he began. Seeing as it is something they can be privy to. People not aware of the magical side of the world though were not, and a different story would be given.
"But before that I'd like to begin with the Imperial Family of Japan. I'm sure as you know, they are this country's ruling family, although all governance is done by the Prime Minister. During World War 2 however, the Emperor of the time, Hirohito had invited several other families to become part of the Kyu-Miyake, and become extended members of the Imperial Family. Following the American Occupation of 1947, all of these families had lost Imperial membership... All but one", he raised a finger indicating that number.
"This family is the Kaganomiya, all records of it were struck and kept secret, the entire family lives in complete secret, and so sometimes the family is called the "Backside of the Throne". The Kaganomiyas are actually a talented family of onmyou, and through their skills and connections as such they have maintained the supernatural side of Japan for decades",
"Seirin herself is the young heir to the head of the Kaganomiyas, as I'm sure you could've guessed by now", at least until their policies loosen. Recent events such as these conferences were meant to help with their approval of opening up more, but this year may make it a hard sell... Though, that reasoning alone is enough.
"Hmmm... I see, sir, how about the ninjas that came afterward? Just personal guards?", Rodrick piped up, he seemed a little interested, perhaps because this was this world's nobility. There was also some concern about Seirin herself, but it seems he was purposely avoiding explaining Seirin and her spontaneous healing near the end of the earlier fight.
"Ah yes them. Simply put, they are the Yatagarasu. They're a shadow enforcer organization whose main goal is to protect the Imperial Family, what you saw was their ninja, which is actually exceedingly rare. Usually you would meet them through representatives who approach to speak with you about matters. The reality is that those representatives are only mouthpieces for them to conduct business, the true organization is hidden away", he explained.
"Now then, I think I have spent enough time here", he said, walking through and past the group.
"I'm afraid I am needed elsewhere, if you have other questions be sure to direct them to Utsumi instead. Speaking of which...", a blue ethereal bird flew by just over Kuuto.
"I'm sure he already knows what happened here too", and with that, he was gone.
Belius listened intently, well, as intently as he could as the Fantasia Festival was explained. The only take-away he got was drinking, eating, partying, and then, possible battles or fights at the end. So basically in summary, the Fantasia was just one giant party, one to his own tastes so it appeared. The idea of getting to fight not only strong members from within the guild but also possibly from others got his blood boiling. Maybe he should do some practice, learn some new tricks to unveil for a grand show, as much as he likes a hard battle, the thrill of defeating a difficult foe is the greatest rush. A trump card or two can really help him out.
"Oooh! So the Fantasia's just a huge party then?! Sounds like my kind of thing! Ya need any help you know where to find me!", he yelled over in enthusiasm.
As the crowd began to get around to doing their own thing he turned back to Brianna, who began to speak of a man known as Zachary. At first he was ready to say he wanted to get a go at him too, but as soon as he heard that he'd passed, he sobered up a little. A strange topic to suddenly bring up, but it appeared to be a source of pride for her, plus as she talked about the lightning sword he began to get some ideas... Many of his techniques relied on the properties of the elements of the sword, maybe there's more he can do with that... Well anyway,
"Heeeeh, wish I'd gotten to see that. Sounds like I could learn a thing or two about lightning from that. Ah well, at least he went out with a bang, or something right? Strong and spry to the last", he commented. He hung around and listened in on some of the people, but as soon as Brianna mentioned that the other guilds were meeting here...
"Oh right I almost forgot about that! I'd like to get a look at whoever it is, I'll bet they're pretty strong. Maybe they'll bring some of their members along too", his enthusiasm was noted. His exposure to other guilds was rather limited, mainly only whoever he's run into on jobs, or what he's heard of just maybe once or twice, but in all cases he's never really remembered. And some members he's crossed during his time as a wandering challenger.
The city of demons is an interesting, otherworldly location, existing within the pocket realm owned by Kuzunoha who rules it as a haven for all yokai to find refuge. Yokai though, are creatures of the night, and so it was natural that in this city, it would always be night, save for the lights of the market districts and houses. It's population numbered just under several hundred, and kept itself going by trading with the outside world through private networks.
Sitting atop the pinnacle of this city was Kuzunoha, perched atop the inn that she runs, the Rakkaden [落花伝], in a room with a view over her domain. She takes a puff of her pipe as she looks over the city once more, before she addresses the people seated within the room. All were seated in two neat rows, some kitsune maids were filtering out of the room, having left some meals for these unique patrons.
Sitting behind her was a selection of yokai, among them included the head of the Koujou family, Yukihara, and the Suzaku Hinoyama. There were a few others including what appeared to be a kamaitachi with a veritable amount of scars, some appearing in their human forms, and then one towards the back that appeared as if he had walked right out of a samurai film.
"So why have you called us here Lady Kuzunoha?", first spoke the kamaitachi. There was silence, she took yet another drag of her pipe, before turning just a bit to indicate her acknowledgement.
"In such a rush to get to business? Ever the diligent one aren't you Youhaku?... Very well, we all have business to attend to", she turned herself around to face the group that had gathered. Everyone here ran something within Eiseikato, the council so to speak, who answer directly to Kuzunoha.
"I have called you all here to address matters regarding the fragments of the Sessho-seki", there were some whispered murmurs. The Sessho-seki, the vaunted jewel said to house the power of one of the great evils of Japan, Tamamo no Mae, a yokai so powerful she had rivalled a god.
"It appears one of them has been been detected within Kyoto. Of course... This cannot stand", the ancient fox pulled her paper fan near her face and fanned it out, at the very same moment the scenery within the room appeared to change as she displayed her powerful illusion abilities, though not for any vanity. In the empty center of the room was a small miniature version of Kyoto.
"Now... Youhaku, you as the representative from the Yatagarasu will have to inform us what you can about the situation. What has been happening the last few days?", the kamaitachi bowed humbly, before he began to speak, the map in the center changing to match what he was saying.
"Thank you, Lady Kuzunoha. There are a few things I need to address, before I get to the Sessho-seki", he began.
"First, over the past month, members of the Kaganomiya Family have been targeted by assassins. Just yesterday an attempt was made on the last lively member, though it was thwarted through sheer dumb luck, it's not likely those affiliated will let that stand", the map lit up around the Kiyomizu-Dera to indicate the location of the attack.
"Next, there have been sightings of unaffiliated yokai in the outskirts of the city. Scouts report that some of them are not simply yokai attracted to the Sessho-Seki's power, as some of the movements seemed deliberate. We have reason to believe that they are associated with our assassin. Unfortunately I have been forbidden from revealing any details about the assassin", there were some disgruntled murmurs in response, showing some disdain for that matter. The map lit up in various spots around the map.
"Finally, the Sessho-Seki. I'm afraid while we have not managed to pinpoint it's location, some of our scouts reported it was detected near or around the sight of the attack from yesterday. Speculation tells us that we may find our stone if the assassin is captured, although... They had given us the slip yesterday, but it is a lead nonetheless", a pause followed as he bowed, signifying the end of his report.
"I see. There are also... Rather interesting players on this board, not as mentioned. Barring the Fujiwaras, and the other exorcist houses, the last lively member of the Kaganomiyas you speak of... She is the Blessed one is she not?", with reluctance, Youhaku had nodded. It appears that information was not something he was supposed to share, but it was something the Lady knew of anyways.
"Hmhm... Considering the deity that has blessed her, the presence of the Sessho-Seki is... Not unexpected then. My worry however is not it's presence. A gathering of demons is hardly something this city can't handle, no... Someone means to do something with the young lady too", Youhaku looked at Kuzunoha with an expression of surprise, or shock, some form of fear involved too.
"The assassinations leading to this month, where a conference had been held, one that required the presence of a Kaganomiya... I do believe our assassins had planned this for some time now, and they have had the Sessho-Seki for quite some time already. For what that is... Well, I can only imagine. Hopefully we will not have to imagine that. It is risky... But I suggest everyone here begin to start tapping into their Kyoto connections, my numerous fox familiars aren't able to keep track of everything, we want eyes and ears everywhere. I make myself clear?", in unison, everyone in the room bowed and gave an affirmative response.
"Very good, now then... Let us return to our own parlours", and with that, everyone had slowly filtered out of the room, one by one. Some of them chatting on the way out, and others already with their attendants giving them orders. The only one that remained was Youhaku.
"Hm, have you not business of your own, Vice Commander of the Yatagarasu?", she addressed him teasingly.
"Of course, but I have yet one question... Tamamo-no-Mae, Otakemaru, and Shuten-Douji... Do you truly believe they can return?", the question was snapped as Kuzunoha returned her fan to it's folded position, as she turned back around to face the city.
"Such an absurd question, though no less absurd than someone earlier. There are yokai that believe they can, to believe that they can be led to the golden age from centuries ago, and that belief is enough for something to return in this world of demons", Youhaku turned away a bit, then gave a bow. The answer was not satisfactory, but he knew he would not get a clear cut answer, before disappearing in a soft gust of wind.
Koyuki woke to a morning alongside others of her kind. A strangely comforting experience she had not had before, everyone seemed to have been rather nice, but strict in their running of the place. Some were even interested in how she had attained a brilliant white coat, as most foxes here had an orange one. Others kept to themselves, but did not create any trouble. She expected to have to report to Kuzunoha again, but instead she was told that all of her instruction for each working day at the inn was to be from the manager in charge at the time.
"Now then, Koyuki, today we will be going shopping", shopping? Such a simple task, but given this was an Inn... The manager had assigned a senior to her, who called herself Kohane. She was a taller kitsune, only two tails, but she's seen her work. She's really good at cleaning and doubles in the kitchen during dinner.
"We'll be meeting with suppliers today in order to make sure we'll be well-stocked for the next month. This is mainly just to let you get to know who else works with the Inn, it's pretty boring work, but since you're new to this city maybe you'll find some fun just looking around", she pointed out.
"Anyways, get ready and meet me at the front of the Inn in ten minutes, we'll be out for more than a few hours, so bring a bag. Also, don't change out of the Inn uniform, people we approach need to know where we're from", and with that she let Koyuki do her preparations.
Hinoyama was a... Laid back teacher. Icarus had woken up late... Or was it early? He could not tell with there being no sun, and thus, only an endless night. Over the last 24 hours, this little house in the shrine had become quite familiar, partly because it was kind of small. It was packed to the brim with old scriptures and books, most of these were in old Japanese, but the fellow firebird was kind enough to demonstrate them. They were... Spells...? As Hinoyama had informed him, spells were much more useful for yokai who had a large source of magic to pull from. Namely themselves. Other than that, he was told to do his training first.
Which was of course... To die. Without dying. It was an absurd concept, and how was he to reach it? There were various ways, according to Hinoyama, but in whatever case, it never seemed clear. To burn out and then return? To be a stubborn fire that refused death while treading the line? Or was it a mental thing?
It was described by Hinoyama quickly. He actually does die, but revives faster than his body and fire can deteriorate. That was even more absurd. How does one do that?
In any case... This morning, Hinoyama didn't seem to be anywhere... Perhaps he can get another peek at those scriptures? Or he can continue his training. Of course, he also had the option of just hitting town for a bit, if he felt like playing hooky.
Tsurara was put into a small apartment above a store just down the street, selling some rather nice Japanese sweets. It was run by an old lady kappa who occasionally came up to give her a pack, in fact she was waking up to the knock on her door to be given more. This time it was daifuku, black bean filling.
She can enjoy that now or later, up to her, but she had to get going for Yukihara's lessons, else she would come hunting her down with a naginata. Despite her rebellious streak as a Yuki-Onna, it was not enough to shake off the fear of death itself, though she knew she would not do such a thing, the glare and killing intent was the real deal. Did she hate Tsurara or something? Well in any case... She had to get going.
----
To her surprise as she arrived, so did Tsurara expecting to see her already in the parlour, but she was also accompanied by two others from her staff.
"Hm, if I had no business at the Rakkaden, I would count this as you being late, but it appears you are lucky today. Please try to arrive earlier from now on", she coldly told her as she walked in. Tsurara followed in after her.
Pretty soon, everyone was settled in the room, various female yokai sat in seiza in a grid formation in front of Yukihara. It was... Sort of like homeroom. Although, this class only consisted of maybe seven people.
"Today's lesson we shall be cooking. I will provide a shopping list for everyone, and once you all return, we shall begin the cooking. Why I have not bought them myself, well, that is because shopping and picking out the best ingredients is all part of your class. You will learn that the quality of your ingredients will be reflected in your cooking, and of course... Your skill as a cook will also be reflected. Now then, make your preparations. Be ready in front of the parlour in twenty minutes, and I will then present you with your shopping lists. Dismissed", today seemed simple enough. Cooking and buying ingredients... They were vital aspects of a housewife and her ability to provide for her husband. It made sense. Well, there was nothing else but to prepare...
Aurelius would find himself waking up, laid down in Lady's lap. As his vision returned to him, the figure of the man he had been sparring earlier was beginning to become visible as he sat across.
"Oh, so you're finally awake? Ran right into the edge of this stick here... Hahahaha! Should've seen the look on your face! Man it's been years since I've seen someone get their greenhorn cherry popped by someone way out of their weight class. Ahem, anyways...", he stood up and paced around a bit holding the stick he had used earlier.
"Fact I haven't just left you to wake up to nothing but your lady friend here - no pun intended - means I've taken an interest in you. Your stance is too rigid, even if it's correct, your grip is unsure, even if you've resolved yourself to your decisions, and most importantly...", he swung once before pointing the tip at Aurelius' face.
"You rely on those too much, I like the look but it follows me like a goddamn haunted house painting. What good are eyes if it can't see this stick that struck you?",
"I had half a mind to just leave, but turns out I'll be staying in Kyoto a little longer, that is, if you're interested in learning", he offered.
"Haha! Yeah I guess he does seem that way! Well, nothing major, just collection", collection? Like debt collection?
"All ya gotta do is watch, we'll get into practical stuff bit later, I think I know why the boss put ya with me, we both got issues with our fathers", it was not at all what he meant, and at this point JM was unsure of what this guy was even, other than assuming he was some special kind of Oni considering he had a much more human appearance if not completely human. In fact if he wasn't here among these other Oni, he probably would've been seen as a normal human.
---Later---
As a pair the two walked around town, JM was even taken to a clothing store in the Yokai-run town, where he was given something like the rest of the Oni. He looked at himself in the mirror and it made him look sort of like a "really nice guy", just like these other "really nice guys". Kinrou gave him the thumbs up on whatever combination he decided to go with, and when asked about paying for it he said he'd foot the bill, and it would be a gift.
Fortunately for JM, unlike his other classmates who had come here, he actually got time to enjoy this interesting town before being put to work. In fact half this work was going around greeting some store owners and collecting their fees for the month so it was said. As a result, he mainly just walked around, but so far... It may be difficult to ascertain what Kinrou was talking about, or why he was here. It almost seemed as if he was just dragged into becoming a kind of demon mafia.
But eventually they came to a small shack in the back and darker area of Eiseikato. A slum, some would say. Their suits kind of stood out here, and in that sort of sense, there was an immediate feeling of danger, but Kinrou in his gold and black suit did not seem at all fazed as he made his way to knocking on the door.
"Yooo! Mr. Gyushi home?", there was a silence....
"Go away! I ain't payin'", Kinrou looked around for a bit.
"Now that ain't right, we did the job as promised, all that's required is you keep your side of that", there was a disgruntled voice at the other end that sounded like gibberish. For a moment, it appeared like there was an eye peeking through the hole at the top of the shack door, before suddenly it broken down. Kinrou was sent flying back as JM would instinctively get some distance from whatever it was emerging.
Whoever it was in there had transformed into what would be believed as their true form. An Ushi-Oni? They were collecting a fee from a powerful yokai like this? It's fearsome bovine head on a spider-like body, boasting a thick body and pincer-like arms and legs.
"Ahahahahaha! Did that old fart really sending a small and weak human like you to collect from me?! He must be growing soft! Ahahahahaha!"
Kinrou dusted himself off as he got up, putting his sunglasses back on slowly as he spoke.
"Oi oi oi, it appears there's been a misunderstanding", his eyes glinted a clear gold glowing even behind his shades.
"What? You're gonna apologize to me now?" the echoing inhuman voice of the Ushi-Oni known as Gyushi thundered in bemusement at the golden man.
"No, oh no. The misunderstanding... Is that the small and weak one here is you. I'll give you one last chance to pay up, or else I'll be collecting more than just your money", there was a thundering gold aura around his hands and arms, subtle, but from where JM was standing it was quite visible.
"Ahahahahahaha! HAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I will give you the honor of being my funniest snack yet! Foolish human! A town like this, is no place for the likes of you!", the jaws of the Ushi-Oni came crashing down upon Kinrou who in a cloud of dust from the impact, disappeared from sight.
There was a silence of suspense, but the first thing visible from the smoke, was a golden lightning.
"Hooooh? Was that really your best shot?", a gust of wind cleared the dust as Kinrou's golden blazer flew back, landing beside JM, also noticing that some other yokai had come out to peek from the shadows, watching the exchange going down. Mr. Gyushi was surprised, groaning and doubling back, at first in what appeared to be surprise, but a golden pulse emanated from him as Kinrou delivered a punch right to his gut.
JM would recognize this power... Well, not precisely. It was similar to when he would access his demonic form, but... Kinrou other than growing two horns, did not look at all changed from his usual appearance... And of course the cool golden aura.
A fight would ensue as the Ushi-Oni would get back up, but Kinrou's compact form made it easy for him to evade the large and clumsy attacks of the large oni, but even then he was just showing off. At the very end he proved it wasn't even necessary for him to do that as he stopped yet another attack with just his hand, before delivering a side kick right into the yokai's center, sending it flying back again.
"You...! You're not human are you?!"
"What gave that away? The horns or the fact that I kicked your sorry ass?", Kinrou cracked a cocky smile and his knuckles,
"So, feel like payin' yet? Or do you need a few more hard knocks?",
"N-no! I'll pay! H-here!", the Ushi-Oni shrunk in size, stepping forward as well... A smaller version of himself, bowing as he produced a bag of coins.
"Well, that wasn't so hard was it? Nice doin' business with ya Mr. Gyushi", and with that... Kinrou and JM departed.
Everything happened quickly, it took barely half a second for the swordswoman to bound the more than a dozen feet between her and Seirin, but in that time it appears she didn’t expect her accompaniment to be combatants either. There was a surprise in her movements as her blade met with a dagger held up by Asta who made her way to the front, already forming a shield with Solid Armaments. Rodrick and Helena didn’t delay to try and skewer the attacker, but she was faster as she quickly stepped back and did a few errant swings. In that single moment, the two students froze in midair before being repelled by a gust of wind.
Now in a stance with her blade pointed at Seirin, aiming it just over Asta’s shoulder, all who were face to face with her, Otis, Seirin, and Asta, felt her killing intent in that moment, but her foot never stepped forward.
An array of arrows made from rock would land in the place the assassin once stood as she bounded back. By the time she had resumed stance, everyone was back in front of Seirin, her hand on her chest as she was almost ready to step away, but she couldn’t.
“This is unexpected… But I’ll just have to make this quick”, muttered the assassin.
BATTLE START!
LORELAI
There was recognition in Lorelai’s eye as she saw the talisman, the lessons in that class having been taken to heart, though her expression turned monstrous with righteous fury to see the barrier fall and reveal her threatened classmates by a cowardly assassin. Lacking any skill with such small thrown weapons as soda cans would make, she dropped them and blitzed the assailant in a dead sprint. While she lacked a spear, Form 4 of Dieter’s Fields only required a strong advance to see her hands come together in a heavy hammer blow against the assassin.
Follow Up! Chains her hammer blow into a flurry of punches from Form 1. Follow Up x2! Steps into extreme close range and headbuts the mask in lieu of the hammerblow from Form 4.
OTIS
The barrier was gone, and two more joined the fray. Were the numbers great enough now, that the difference in individual skill could be overcome? Otis let out a breath, enjoying once more the heat of the summer day even as a deathly chill emanated from the masked swordswoman. “Stay,” he said, one eye flicking in Seirin’s direction, as he dropped a Slicing Bullet onto the ground in front of her. Before it could bounce around, his foot stomped on it.
Lorelai, the most energetic and reckless of all, rushed in without even a weapon in her hands, and Otis, trusting his own speed, moved in to assist her. Another hand slipped into his ammunition pouch, pulling out another bullet. His natural magical capabilities were unable to keep up with the costs of the spells he had memorized, but when it came to what he could prepare, the Strigidae could always hit above his weight class.
With Lorelai taking the front, Otis skirted around from behind, throwing a bullet aimed squarely at the woman’s spine.
Now, it was time to see just how their enemy responded.
ULTANA
Seeing Otis attempt to go behind the assassin, with Lorelai at the front, Ultana created a Broadsword with Solid Armament and charged in from the side. Swinging her blade with a furious swing, she sent countless Earthen Spikes towards the enemy to ensure Otis wasn’t discovered.
ASSASSIN
The assassin found herself on the backfoot though was keeping more than pace with Lorelai’s swings in hand to hand. The footwork was wrong for bare fist even if the principles were kept, and so with a rapid assortment of strokes from the left hand and right foot, the assassin dealt a few blows to Lorelai, sending her back with a finishing kick. She had no time to rest however as she for a moment sensed an attack from behind, yet in front of her was a seemingly larger threat. If she dealt with the one behind, she would be vulnerable to a larger attack, and if she dealt with the one in front, she was in danger of being put back onto the defensive. She was choked for time given the situation, and so retreating onto the back foot was not an option.
Not to mention, in Lorelai’s place was Asta, with her shield in front formed and to prevent yet another strategy she could use. If she could just get everything into view...
The assassin executed some fast footwork that doubled her back away from her current position, in what appeared to be a blur the sword was back in it’s sheath. The stance was… Familiar, it looked a lot like what Kuuto used, with a few differences. Regardless, what was to be of note was that the sword was glowing now.
With a grunt that felt painful, she drew the blade. A single white slash went through the earth spikes, Asta’s shield, and Otis’ bullet, before an array of slashes appearing like wide cross hatching followed immediately after. Asta being the closest to this attack was sent back with various cuts along her shield arm, and some reaching her chest.
The sword stopped glowing and the assassin gave a cough, before advancing forward quickly towards Seirin. Rodrick and Helena stepped forward, however Rodrick’s snow soldiers were quickly cut down as they were summoned, while Helena’s Knight of Radiance had it’s attacks easily evaded by this agile assassin. Still with their bodies in front, they need only get in the way for long enough.
OTIS
Otis’s eyes widened at the brilliance that flashed from the assassin’s sword. What an absolutely sublime cut! He had been banking on her slashing his bullet, yes, and had even hoped she’d do so: each of his bullets used impact triggers to detonate the Fire Rune at their base, and if she had done such, the particular bullet would have fired off, striking the ground twenty meters away...before the Vorpal Warp enhancement activated, forcibly relocating the assassin further away from her target while giving everyone else a chance to spawn-camp her.
But that had only been a hope, and it was a hope destroyed by the burst of slashes that accompanied the singular strike, shredding the runic etchings upon the bullet before it could discharge.
Just like that, however, the assassin broke through the vanguard, dashing towards Rodrick and Helena’s own defenses. She was swift, certainly, swift enough to trivialize what magical guardians emerged. Her senses were sharp too, enough so that she had been able to counter attacks from every direction just a moment before when they approached her.
The Strigidae, however, had not yet run out of gambits.
From a fair distance behind, Otis focused his vision, shadow-dancing with the assassin as she evaded the Knight of Radiance’s broad strokes. And as patterns developed, as habits were read and understood, he reached out with his other hand, a bullet held out…
“Ein-Tes.”
...and threaded a slicing beam of energy diagonally upwards, from the bullet he had dropped right in front of Seirin, to the bullet he held now in his hands.
It just happened, really, that Helena’s Knight physically blocked the bullet from view, that the assassin’s body was right between those two bullets when he invoked them.
LORELAI
Her mad rush didn’t amount to any significant damage upon the Assassin, her stance and movements all wrong for fighting without a weapon, but it proved ample distraction to let others surround the attacker. Pity then that she released a blinding attack that seemed to part the very fabric of reality itself, cutting down the defenses and armaments between her and her targets. By a stroke of camaraderie Asta had placed herself between Lorelai and the Assassin, protecting her from the whirling blade as she rebounded from the kick.
Her fury was tempered by the ragged cough that followed the attack, a sign of infirmity she took to like a shark does spilled blood. Without any pretense for defending herself she launched herself off the ground in a flying tackle to restrain the assailant for the others to finish.
ULTANA
Despite the advantage of numbers, the assassin was still holding off their attacks. One single slash from her blade was enough to thwart their attacks. While not any major injuries sustained, Asta, being the closest to the attack, took the worst of it. Before the assassin charged once more towards Seirin, the sword stopped glowing and coughed. Could the attack (or sword) be taking something out of her? Either way, they couldn’t let her get to Seirin. With Lorelai making a reckless attempt to restrain her, they needed to bring her down now.
“With an unyielding will, I call upon the power of the earth to aid me in this fight.”
Activating her Earthbound circuit, she raised her broadsword and made her own reckless charge to slam her weapon into the assassin’s chest.
ASSASSIN
She was quite nimble, the assassin, having obtained a decent amount of. Perhaps something Lorelai should’ve picked up, as her tackle was a straight-forward approach that the assassin’s keen senses was able to react to as she bounded over Lorelai, leveraging herself over with her hand on her back inadvertently pushing her into the ground letting her continue to a skid behind her, and by chance, avoiding a crippling strike from the Slicing Bullet, barely grazing her shoulder as she went into a spin mid-air.
At the same time, Helena’s knight went for another swing, bringing it up in a diagonal arc while Rodrick had the time to summon White Archers. In the spinning midair jump, the assassin swung her blade twice, once to take Helena’s knight’s blade off-balance and avoid it swatting her out of the air, and the second deflecting some of the ice arrows, managing to catch Rodrick in the shoulder as he staggered back in response, leaving Seirin open in a gap between the two.
“Fujiwara Discreet Arts, White Flash of the Glaring Glass”, she muttered under her breath, bringing her focus to this technique.
In that very instant, everyone present witnessed what appeared like a glint of reflecting light against their eyes, blinding them, and as the vision settled, right next to Seirin was a line through the stone-paved floor , and a long cut going cross through her forearm and near her shoulder. The attack… Hit? Seirin yelped a little at the pain, her left sleeve was also completely cut as it fell right off.
At the very instant of the blinding flash, Ultana had managed to strike the assassin out of the air, veering the attack just off-course as she tumbled along the stone pavement. It appears they just barely managed to prevent a fatal attack.
BATTLE END
With distance being made between the group and the assassin, she stubbornly began to take up a stance again, even knowing in the back of her head that her time was short, or even over. As soon as her hand made it to the handle of the katana, an array of throwing knives came flying at her, landing at her former position as she was forced back further. A click of her tongue as she began to start backing away further.
Emerging from the shadows was a dual arm blades wielding… Weasel person? Or at least, they had a weasel-like tail, all adorned in a black suit jacket over what looked like a bodysuit. One might be quick to assume this was a kind of beastkin similar to Otis, but they would be false.
“Lady Seirin, you’d been advised not to separate from your escort”, the voice that came from this new ninja-like figure was female.
“Ahaha… Y-yeah, I’m... so sorry for that, Fuuko, but…”, the way she apologized was like a child who had just been caught red-handed, looking away and almost slinking away.
“It’s for your own safety”, she retorted quickly before turning back to the assassin.
At this time if anyone would have rushed to Seirin’s side to check her injury, would find that it has mysteriously disappeared.
Appearing shortly after this woman was a familiar coat and blade, forcing the assassin to draw her blade to block a slash that came from what appeared to be countless yards away. Stepping in from behind the group was Kuuto. His glare sharpened as soon as he laid eyes upon the blade she was carrying.
“Hm, it appears I’ve found my thief… And culprit”, and it wasn’t just Kuuto who recognized something here. The assassin too. Those more attuned to combat would feel an immediate palpable fear coming from her, before she began to bolt off.
The weasel-like ninja lady known as Fuuko raised her hand, and on signal a few ninjas appeared beside her like phantoms on command. With one wave pointing forward, they were off to chase the assassin while she turned back to take care of the group.
“You knew you were in danger and yet you decided to sneak off from your escort”, Seirin turned away from Fuuko as her features began to melt away and become more human, revealing a girl with sharp eyes and hair tied in a ponytail. Those well-versed in yokai might recognize the features and abilities this girl held as that of a Kamaitachi, but this full human appearance on this kind of yokai meant that she was most likely a half yokai.
“I-I’m sorry”,
“Sorry? Just sorry?! We have killer on the-”,
“Ahem”, she bit her tongue as Kuuto interjected. It’s not really something people should be hearing, but at this point it was probably too late.
“A-anyway, we need to keep you safe, at least until this situation is all over. I know how much you want to go sightseeing, but please, be patient”, there was a quiet as Seirin was being scolded for her behavior, looking down and a little glum. The young lady known as Fuuko turned to the rest of the group.
“I’m sorry for having involved you unrelated children into this… Affair”, she would not openly state it, but she was surprised at how lucky Seirin had gotten, running into kids who happened to be trained combatants, at least, to some degree. She bowed in apology.
“Please, tell no one of what happened today. We’re trying to prevent any form of panic while we close this up”, she then turned to Kuuto.
“Prosecutor Kirizanto, I will be taking Seirin someplace safe, these are… Do they happen to be students of yours?”, he nodded in affirmative. She looked at that the group for a moment in pensieve, running a finger over her chin, then grabbing Seirin by her hand.
“Now, we will be on our way… Come on Seirin, you have caused enough trouble for today”, she stated. There was a pause as everyone watched them disappear from sight.
“Hm…”, Kuuto turned to the students here. He recognized some of them from the vampire incident some week or two ago…
“Interesting that I see some familiar faces. Do you kids have a habit of hunting for trouble?”, there was an awkward silence… Would one take that as rhetoric or a serious question? The hard glare in Kuuto’s eyes made that difficult to ascertain.
“Well no matter, it would be advisable to forget about today’s incident. If you have any worries to put to rest I’ll try my best to explain things, under the promise that none of you try and get involved. We can call this an impromptu lesson of sorts”, there was some historical significance to the people here today.
“For the record before you ask, questions about this investigation are off-limits”
As Carver digressed his concerns with the hires, Reynard sighed a stood up from the table, removing his hands from it as he turned to Carver. He made direct eye contact with the man and outstretched a hand waiting for a handshake, normally a professional and standard greeting if not for the cold glare of his eyes. Was that intentional? Probably not, though despite the way he spoke, he was by no means a terrible speaker if it was needed.
"Reynard Faust. Apologies for the lateness in introductions, but I'm afraid that while you were averting your eyes it was hardly suitable at that time", he began.
"Furthermore... This is apparently rather normal. We have forgotten that not all are used to her odd behaviour...", as for Reynard he didn't personally care, although... he turned his gaze away for a moment in some annoyance, sending a glare over to Gwen while he was at it, expressing his disdain, then turning back to Carver.
"She will apologize for her actions as befits an adult... Isn't that right, Gwen?" The way he invoked her name was cold, enough to cut a chill in the ice mage.
I do commissions, specializing in character design. Ask me for prices, or make an order on my Ko-fi.
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I also play FF14 and PSO2 so yeah.
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">I do commissions, specializing in character design. Ask me for prices, or make an order on my Ko-fi.<br><br><a href="https://www.artstation.com/sq5" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">artstation.com/sq5</a><br><a href="https://ko-fi.com/sq505x" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">ko-fi.com/sq505x</a><br><br>I also play FF14 and PSO2 so yeah.</div>
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