The Irish Tree

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

Vivian

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@AzureKnight(VRA), @Rezod92
Well, at the very least Vară had finally spoken up. It seems her ire had been building the entire time, though Vivian was feeling a bit of that after Kazenosuke laughed at her words. ...What an arrogant man. But, there was a difference between the boasting of a coward, and the words of one obsessed with strength. Kazenosuke was definitely the latter, and was meaning it when he said that the three of them could take him on at once. As in, he could wipe all three of them out at once. "He's deadly serious, little mouse. And it looks like he's riled Vară up enough that we can't talk about it further."

Folding her arms against her stomach, Vivian's legs would suddenly sharpen to needlepoints as she balanced upon the tips of her toes, freezing over to become deadly weapons that scored the dirt beneath her and froze it gradually. "Well, truth be told, I did want to witness your bladework. Show me if your passion for it matches mine," the glacies said, tossing a lock of hair over her shoulder before beginning to glide towards Kazenosuke, earth giving way to ice as she slid along it. Vară's new form and overly flashy attack would be suicidal to attempt to coordinate with, but Vivian could at least cut off the ronin's escape route behind him, poised to strike if he moved as she expected. As for the Mouse...Rat...Sneak...she could find somewhere to insert herself, Vivian imagined. Preferably not between anyone.

---

Matsuri

---

While Matsuri had planned for the Varjans to set fire to the forest, she wasn't quite prepared for them to be so zealous about it! She expected a torch or something, not a full-on flamethrower spell.

Now, the temple was likely in danger if this fire got out of control...let alone the shinobi that might be hiding out here. Matsuri's magic wasn't great enough to conjure water or anything like that...but she did have an idea for how to keep the damage to a minimum. It was something her father taught her about in case there was an accident and a bunch of the surrounding woods caught fire...fire can't exist without fuel, and something for it to jump to. Sort of like how fire jumps down the length of a fuse to light at the "fuel" inside a fireworks, making it explode. Fire was ravenously hungry, but died super fast if it didn't eat. As such, matsuri would make sure to starve out this forest fire before it became a problem.

With her Kyubi Buster now ready, Matsuri would capitalize on the confusion her illusion was causing. Out of the corner of her eye she did spy that a few of the brigands were being dragged into bushes but...for now, she just had to take care of what was in front of her. She imagined these Varjan mages could dish out heat but not take it themselves...and as such, would fire her Kyubi Buster straight into one's back, hurtling them towards the inferno as the fireworks' brittle shells came off in stages.

First was the initial pop of the outer casing breaking upon significant impact, causing the projectile to speed up enough to drag a grown man along with it.

Second, the fuel ignited properly, and began to emit sparks in a whirling vortex as it traveled, starting to throw white hot sparks at the brigands, mages, and cloud the area with a bit of smoke.

Stages three through nine were all mostly various stages of explosive power, and with the pyromancer's body blocking one direction, all the sparks would only find purchase on his robes, or the tree and brush the shot had passed, starting the controlled burn that Matsuri had hoped for.

Aware of how open she'd left herself, Matsuri would immediately produce a Bang-Bang Bomber with her magic and toss it after igniting, hoping to disorient the Varjans enough that she could make another getaway.

"C'mon...if there really are ninjas hiding out here...I hope I can at least hold out long enough for them to deal with this! Who else would be nabbing Varjans into bushes?" Matsuri thought as she backed up, trying to manifest enough of her energy for more ammo.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Liliana

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[@Breakthrough Crew!]
Liliana's plan to thin the outermost Varjans had gone awry when a javelin slammed into the wall, the fairy's trajectory making it impossible to dodge the obstacle in time as she plummeted to the ground, dazed and confused.

Liliana's confusion proved an opening as the javelin wielder grabbed her, hard enough to make the little fairy lose concentration on her spell. A yelp of pain escaped her as her wings were crumpled, her meager size making her strength nothing in comparison to the enraged warrior before her. Wincing with one eye open, she would smirk, knowing she'd really pushed this man's buttons. "Strictly speaking? Nope. Every little bad thing that happens to people like you, you bring it on yourselves!" the fairy said defiantly, before letting out a pained gasp as his grip tightened.

"Can't...get big...crushing...me..." the fairy thought, looking up at the ceiling, vision growing bleary. Was she going to die? ...Unlikely, at least right away. The Varjans had ways of getting information out of people, and...well, a tiny body is a lot easier to torture. And once they learned she could regenerate somewhat...

"...I...I don't..."

It would be the same pain the Shizuyamans endured. The same pain Fathers, Mothers, and Children were forced to accept. A smaller body to the pile.

"I c-can't..."

What was the fairy queen thinking, sending only her sixth best to a foreign nation when all were present? Was this a test? Was Liliana hated?

Tears welled in the fairy's eyes as hope started to look farther and farther away, too in pain to even call out to her temporary ally, the summoned minotaur as he raged throughout the barracks. Liliana was alone, and had chosen this route of her own volition. Her blade, while obliged to help her, helped her on command. It couldn't cast without her permission, and all the air was being squeezed out of the fairy's lungs.

Was this...what it was like to have your life flash before your eyes? Liliana was remembering things that made it hard to get up, even as it hurt to breath...

"Rose...bud..." Liliana squeaked out, tears welling in her eyes as she remembered that there were many, many strong people in her life. And the strongest ones she'd ever met, her strongest sister, her best friend, her (sorta) mentor, and her queen, all of them believed in her.

Rosebud would welcome Liliana home with congratulations alongside the Queen. Alice would return the task force, and keep being her weird, quirky, queenly, crazy self. Shizuka would be confused as always by Liliana's antics, but at the end of the day, surviving and winning was all that mattered. Surviving and winning was all that mattered.

Survive and win.

Liliana would muster up her strength and slam her face down against the lightly armored hand of the brigand and sinking her teeth in, causing enough pain for a momentary distraction that loosened his grip. A single cry of: "Whimsy!" would cast the spell roulette, a ball of darkness shooting from Whimsy and "entering" the brigands' body, immediately removing his ability to see as Liliana fell free of his hand, already growing larger so she could fight back. Her ribs were aching like crazy, but they'd heal. With renewed vigor, Liliana would fight on the ground while her wings slowly mended themselves. "Don't go thinking the minotaur's the only one that'll kick your butt!" she cried, already swinging at her previous captor.

---

Eula

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@Enkryption (ALI)
It would seem some level of hostility existed now between Sorae and Alice, though, given that they were monsters, Eula had a feeling she already knew what it was about. Still, it wasn't her business to pry into. Answering Sorae promptly, she would say: "I am almost back to full capacity. I will have trouble fighting humans, but I can at least investigate into the matter you brought up." Eula wasn't sure how well she'd fare alone, but could at least guarantee that she could come back in one piece. Thus far, the thing to damage her the most in her time at Shizuyama was that strange glass sword that had nearly taken her arm off. Reassuring herself, she would pat the patched up arm, running a finger along the length of the patchwork metal that had been integrated to fix up the armor plating. Slightly heavier than before, but it was still serviceably fast and wouldn't weigh her down too much.

"I am ready."

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Liliana

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[@Breakthrough Crew!]
At first, the mischief making fairy was certain this would do to sew chaos...up until the psycho with the spears pinned one of his men to the ground on the bad end of a javelin. ...Uh-oh.

Order was restored through fear, and Liliana was forced to hide in a ceiling beam out of sight. But...well, it did at least prove that this guy had some semblance of leadership or seniority to him. A good start, but...Liliana had a feeling a better start would be to pursue the group en route to this "Merneptah". But given the rain, Liliana wouldn't last long without being human-sized, which would break her cover quickly. As such, she'd have to entrust that duty to the others going to the manor. If all went well, Liliana could somehow cause enough chaos to completely shut the barracks down, so that her friends could go about unimpeded.

"Alright, Whimsy...let's get the biggest, meanest cow we possibly can! This time, hedging all bets on...Summon Cow!" The fairy thought, raising her sword, sheathed in her invisibility before a sigil formed on the ground in the center of the barracks. Rather than the usual bovine however...something resembling a man emerged.

A titan of a monster, the minotaur stood at nearly ten feet tall, with an axe bigger than any man in the room clenched in one hand. Scars littered his body, and steam spilled out of the iron mask that adorned his (probably) hideous face, silver hair billowing out from beneath as he looked down at the Varjans who were, by now, past the point of initial shock and readying their weapons. "...This place...it reeks of blood." the minotaur said, gripping his axe tighter, a glimmer of red visible in the dark recesses of the mask. "Varjans again. Bart...Neil...Talia...Father...I promise." he said, before gripping his axe tighter. In a moment, the entire barracks would become a battlefield.

"I won't run this time. Not again. Not ever," the minotaur mumbled, before swinging his axe once, cutting through an approaching Varjan, armor and all, as if he hadn't even been there, the pressure of his strike causing winds to cut apart curtains in the building, and for Liliana to nearly be flung from her perch if she hadn't dug Whimsy into the roof beam. "I THINK WE WENT TOO BIG AND MEAN! Since when could we summon Minotaurs with that spell!?" she whispered, gulping as the scene grew chaotic. But, Liliana knew she couldn't just leave this minotaur now...a rampaging cow was something, but this was a living, breathing person she'd just summoned right into a pack of Varjans!

Descending from the rafters while still invisible, Liliana would seek to pick off any Varjans using bows before they could target her new temporary ally, hoping this minotaur was as strong as he looked.

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

Vivian

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@AzureKnight(VRA), @Rezod92
It was good that no blood needed to be shed today, especially since Vivian was sure that this man was more than just idle rumors and boasting. He hadn't let his guard down even once, to the extent he sensed their invisibile comrade nearb-

Wait.

"...Being honest, I thought it was only Varã and I here. Whoever's there, might as well give up the ghost. The ronin has your number," Vivian said, encouraging Zeta to come out of hiding since there wasn't much point. The clairvoyant ronin say through all, it seemed.

Vivian didn't like to acknowledge her lack of foresight, but really, who would have suspected they'd be tailed by another monster? Not letting it phase her too badly, Vivian would just focus on answering Kazenosuke's questions. After she scooted just a bit away from the ronin to make sure he wasn't close enough to be drained by her aura. "Takeshi's father is a noble of great importance, so I imagine even the Varjans wouldn't just execute him outright. Political puppets are always vital to a good drama after all. As for the army...I imagine they were slaughtered to the last, to prove a point. Otherwise, we wouldn't be necessary." Having given her sufficiently hopeless summary of the situation, Vivian would then add: "But, between us and the allies Takeshi hopes he can count on, they're expecting that taking a port will be sufficient for landing aid. I'd tell you where our headquarters are, but you haven't agreed to help yet."

Standing, Vivian would give Kazenosuke some warming room, stepping forward a few steps. "Speaking purely from a position of numbers, we can't even fight a warband with how many we have. I've never had someone I can call a friend, but...in the stories I've played part in, a bond between two can overcome virtually anything this world has to offer. Perhaps, the bond you and Takeshi share is one such instance. Oh and, don't worry about yokai, I imagine we'll all leave once this conflict concludes. For whatever comfort that is, at least."

---

Matsuri

---

It was already close to dark, and Matsuri was starting to think that this search was beyond her. ...Who was she kidding, trying to find ninjas when her expertise was in making fireworks!? "This is hopeless..." she muttered under her breath, before she heard a heavy footstep crack a twig nearby. Hurriedly, Matsuri would hide behind a few bushes, peeking out as the armed and armored soldiers came bearing torches. ...It looked like someone else was combing the forest.

These had to be Varjans, given how their armor and robes looked foreign to what Matsuri had seen of the island's people. She didn't stand a chance against one of these warriors, and the robed people were giving her the creeps. Turning tail and running would be best while they didn't see her but...those shinobi were out here somewhere. And trained soldiers were way more likely to find them than Matsuri was. Working up her courage, Matsuri would don her festival mask and hold a hand out before her. Concentrating her energy, a ball of fireworks would appear from seemingly nothing, the heft of it tested by Matsuri as she tossed it up and down. "One surprise shot...and then, the Kyuubi Buster when they're isolated," the inari confirmed mentally, before removing he bamboo cannon and leveling it. She wouldn't have much time, but...this should make for one hell of a distraction, and potentially let the hiding shinboi have enough of an opening to escape.

With the faintest hiss masked by a distant illusion of rustling, Matsuri's Never-Ending-Starry Night would fly in the midst of the crowd, the inari letting loose a loud clap just before detonation. Once the flash started and the dome of light engulfed the group, Matsuri would make herself scarce, working up the energy for her Kyuubi Buster as she ran. "Can't lead them back to the temple, so...time to have them waste time!" she thought, concentrating her energy one an illusion of herself in an obvious hiding spot, that, when they approached, would quickly bolt away. Matsuri hadn't especially pushed the limits of her new state of monsterhood, but already felt herself moving a lot faster than she ever had, and wasn't even tired after searching all day. Maybe, just maybe, she stood a chance at an endurance battle in a location she'd spent all day searching every nook and cranny of.

"This yokai magic stuff is hard but...just you watch papa, I'm gonna keep everyone safe!"

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

Vivian

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@AzureKnight(VRA), @Rezod92
It seemed Kazenosuke was determined to continue playing hard to get, and that they'd have to use the pass-phrase that Takeshi had provided to them. Of course, Vivian had no clue what a "miko" was, but would speak before her fiery companion made things worse. "Your lord couldn't come, because he was...how did he put it? 'Busy dressed up as a Miko.'. I have no idea what that means, butt he was sure that you'd be troublesome to deal with unless we said that," Vivian said, unaware that a new arrival had joined them.

Crossing her legs, Vivian would say: "As for whether we're your comrades or enemies...I have no intention of staying after this conflict resolves, so, consider me a tourist if you must." The glacies seemed to have no intention of moving from her log, glancing skyward to observe a passing cloud. "...Though I must admit...as an artist, I'm curious on how a Blademaster carries himself in a fight. It isn't just fighting for you, is it? You carry your sword as an extension of your body, rather than a tool for killing."

---

Matsuri

---

"O-Oh. Right. Sorry, I'll keep that a secret," Matsuri said quickly in response to Ayu's worries, before trotting off to decide on what she'd do. It seemed a lot of people needed help, not just Lord Oja...but, as much as it upset Matsuri to realize, she wasn't the best of fighters. As such, she thought it'd be best to tackle a job that wouldn't guarantee fighting. Shinobi were famous through Zipangu for their esoteric arts and stealth, and Matsuri figured...if they had spies like that on their side, this conflict might be over way sooner!

Trotting off after getting directions, Matsuri would circle the forest outskirts for a little while before taking a break in a clearing, sitting on a rock while she looked at the treeline above her. "Looking for shinobi is a lot harder than I thought it'd be. ...Wait...maybe if I leave a peace offering, they'll come out of hiding!" she would quickly leap to her feet, looking over her belongings and then suddenly realizing how silly of an idea that was. That worked with wild animals...not trained and hardened shinobi.

Ears drooping after realizing her idea wouldn't work, Matsuri resolved to at least leave out one of the many packed lunches her factory's employees had made for her journey, figuring that they would at least appreciate a good meal. Everyone got hungry, and she had to imagine it was hard for the shinobi to find any food with the Varjans taking over a good part of the villages on the island. Picking herself back up, the inari would soon start looking again, hoping to at least find something to show for her search.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Liliana

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[@Breakthrough Crew]
Liliana had to cover her mouth to keep from making any noise, the sheer disrespect for the dead present making her sick to her stomach. Before coming to these islands, Liliana had never known "death" beyond the romantic. Novels and stories of lovers choosing to die with each other, knights dying for glory, the death of a demon bringing happiness but...

There wasn't any purpose to these deaths. These lives discarded like garbage and left to rot. It made the tiny fairy's arms tremble, her sword's mental suggestions the only thing keeping her from charging in recklessly. ...The Varjans would have to pay, sooner or later. After being broken from her stupor by a raindrop nearly sending her to the ground, Liliana would make haste to the barracks while her invisibility held up, slipping in beside a Varjan rushing inside to take shelter. Black armored soldiers lined the bunks and huddled for warmth, giving Liliana plenty of time to try and spot any ranking officer's among them.

Of course, she had no idea what a Varjan officer looked like, mostly assuming they had giant horns and ate babies for breakfast, but the only one to stand out was a bare-chested man with javelins that seemed to be getting some admiration from his fellow Varjans. That had to be the guy but...if Liliana started a fight here, she'd definitely have trouble getting out in one piece. As such, it was time to...improvise a little. Fairies weren't particularly clever in many ways, but there was exactly one, one definitive way that a fairy was always smarter than anyone else:

Playing pranks!

...Well, maybe pixies were better at that, but...fairies were a close second place!

Thinking on her wings, Liliana quickly flitted about the room, starting to cause minor annoyances that could absolutely be pinned on another Varjan. A slight tugging of a blanket, a slap on the rear, and a dash of magic on herself, doubling Haste and Invisibility up in order to flit around as a whirlwind of whimsy, doing her damndest to make sure these Varjans were at each other's throats...and, hopefully overhear something to prove whether the man with many javelins was an officer, or just a decorated mook.

"I hope everyone else has more luck...but now, if the soldiers are all heading inside, maybe they'll have more luck looking in the manor," the fairy thought, constantly preparing herself in case she got caught.

---

Eula

---

@Enkryption
After a long session of hand-holding and battery charging, Eula was right as rain once more and would depart from the building her and Carroll were hold up in. In truth, she wasn't sure if the efficiency had actually increased but...it felt nice, having someone to cling to. Perhaps they could charge together again later. With a few words of thanks, the terse Automaton would idly wonder if any tarts remained before overhearing a nearby conversation.

...It seemed the people's faith in Lord Oja was such that they believed him capable of solving everything if he were freed. Confidence like that doesn't come unwarranted, in times like these. Eula couldn't stand to just wait and recover...and, as long as she was at least helping somehow, it didn't necessarily have to jeopardize her gradual repairs. Eula would pause as she walked, considering what could be done...before figuring, going at it alone would be foolish. There had to be something she could do...

Turning to her companion, Eula would say: "I've heard that a lord's wife has gone missing. Do you think that if we found her, it might help alleviate the people's worries a bit?" A simple plan, but...it was better than just sitting around.

Magus Reaver: Scions of Sorcery

Hector Wyland

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@PaulHaynek,@Polaris North

It was a bit of an awkward ride back after the group received a vague explanation as to who the heavily armed brigands were, and...Hector was having trouble accepting Ruecian's congratulations. Hector had barely hung on by the skin of his teeth, and was left with a busted nose and a bruised ego for his troubles. Einer got off worse, with a bullet through his shoulder. Plain and simple...Shavis was the only one to really hold up to the Tower's reputation, save for Ruecian who was so far above Hector that it didn't bare mentioning in his mind.

Einer's music soothed the nerves of those present, and Hector would close his eye. Peace, but won not through his own strength. The group would be back at the tower in due time, with Hector shuffling out of the carriage and bowing respectfully to Irma as she bid farewell. ...Some small part of him didn't just resent the fact he failed, but...the fact that such a lovely lady had to stain her hands with blood to save his life. Hector knew she was strong, and yet...it was more from a burgeoning affection that formed this shame.

As Ruecian declared that it was time for them to get some rest, Hector would clench his left hand, looking down at his boots. He couldn't undo his failures, but he could ensure that they'd never happen again. His gun had been fine-tuned, but the finger pulling the trigger remained as dull as ever. So he'd need to hone himself. "Ruecian. I have a favor to ask of you," The marksman spoke, meeting Ruecian's eyes with his own. "I'm ignorant to how Magi improve themselves. If it weren't for Lady Irma's timely intervention, me and Einer would be far worse off. As such...please. Train me."

It was quite the thing for a man who scoffed at magic early in his life to plead like this...the second, bitter taste that Hector had tasted. The first time was his instructor in Thaumaturgy, whom he pleaded to teach him how to destroy apparitions. Galdr...flowed somehow from that. And now, Hector thought that perhaps, a new teacher could lead him to greater heights. He'd never manage it on his own, late bloomer that he was. Herne would pop free of Hector's sleeve, slithering up his arm and wrapping one coil around his shoulder for support, before hissing once. ...That...might also be him asking to be trained, though training an ephemeral snake is a tall order.

"Oh and Shavis, he does fantastic work. A might bit expensive, but well worth it," Hector said, wondering just how dangerous the Belua woman would become with an upgraded arsenal.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Liliana

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[@Breakthrough Crew]
Liliana felt bad seeing how badly Ayu wanted to come along but...it was safer to leave this to the monsters, and the monstrously strong. The little fairy's heart sank as she heard the suffering of those around her, but...they'd bring justice soon. Even if she would self-consciously tug at the hem of her dress, frustrated as she held back her instincts to just...jump out and help.

It would be nightfall by the time they were free to begin their plan. Liliana had a feeling she might have the best chance of moving around undetected, and would float up a bit. Quietly, she would say: "Alright...since I can turn invisible, I think I should check out the barracks. Maybe since the estate is bigger, there will be better places for you all to sneak around in. ...And um...everyone...please be safe." The fairy was more quiet than usual, grabbing her sword before cycling through enough spells to turn invisible.

Now, she just had to find any obviously high-ranking Varjans and...take them out in one fell swoop. It wasn't very knightly, but right now...she felt like people who enjoyed inflicting suffering this much didn't deserve a lick of honor.

---

[Collaboration with @Enkryption]

A Ghost in the Machine

Having followed Carroll into the building that she’d ducked inside of, Eula was quick to call out: ”I just wanted to apologize for…everything that both me and Revuel said. I really do appreciate you trying to assist me. …Your name is Carroll, right?”

"Last I checked," Carroll says.

”I am Eula 039. I’m sorry for not making a proper introduction sooner.”

"I felt we had a proper introduction," Carroll says.

”...I see.”

"I’m more curious what you are apologizing for," Carroll says, "Nothing happened. I’m simply making my talents known," she shrugged, "If they are unneeded, that’s that."

”It is still the case that I spurned freely offered goodwill. Oh, and, Revuel wanted me to apologize on his behalf as well.”
"I don’t need apologies," Carroll says. "Apologies do little for me at this point," she looked at Eula, "Was that all you came to do, then?"

”For the most part, yes. I was also curious about what a cursed sword of Wonderland is doing here as well…”

"Search me," Carroll shrugged. "Last I checked, I was clashing against my father, wielded by my mother, and then, I was here."

”...I wonder if you lost your memories in a similar way that I did. In my case, the one who found me said that I had a hole in the back of my head.”

"Who knows," Carroll says. "My head is made of slime, so a hole wouldn’t bother me in the slightest," she says, poking her right pointer against her forehead, and cleanly through, "See?"

”Fascinating,” Eula said, coming right up beside Carroll and poking the other side of her head.

…Now that Eula was close enough though…Carroll could feel some sort of “static” connecting the pseudo-arm that she’d created, tying back to something behind Eula. A faint image of sorts.

"Eh?"

Carroll narrowed her eyes, as the static filled her senses. She wasn’t like Eula, and her senses were unlike Human - or even Mamono - as she was effectively ecolocating the millions of vibrations that existed, and piecing it all together with how it hit her blade. Therefore...

...she shouldn’t have been seeing a goddamn bonafide GHOST, and yet here she was, seeing something that was casting no vibrations at all.

Eula would tilt her head, following Carroll’s eyes, but seeing nothing. ”Is something wrong?”

The phantom image behind Eula scarcely moved, looking at the automaton square in the face with the faintest of smiles on her thin lips. Eula was completely unaware of her presence, but the phantom took a look at Carroll, regarding her arm, then locking eyes with her. Her eyes were a pale red, with hair tied in a braid similar to Eula’s, minus her hair being more wiry and thin, and being a different color. A fair bit taller than the present automaton, her general attire and physique matched that of Eula, the futuristic past future of the Precursor automatons.

"There’s someone... behind you..." Carroll says, before following her gaze, and noticing her arm was transformed again. "What... I didn’t..." she tried to change it back, but it wasn’t going, "Are you doing this?"

She wasn’t asking Eula, but asking past her.

”It is simpler to communicate directly, is all,” the ghost spoke before Eula suddenly went limp standing, closing her eyes. ”I am Europa 09. What you have duplicated is a facsimile of parts with in-laid programming inherent to them. Thus, I am able to communicate with and interact with Eula’s systems via your central nervous system. Don’t worry. I will uproot myself from your mind after we speak. You won’t have to see or hear me again.”

"Oi, oi! You don’t get to make that choice, lady! My mind! You’ll stay right put until I say you go," Carroll says, "That aside... Europa 09... Eu... 09... I’m guessing, the La and 3 are sourced from your husband, then, " she surmises. "My Queen isn’t the sharpest blade on the rack. Her strength lies in her compassion, tenacity, and ability to really take a punch on the chin. For intelligence gathering, I exist. Thus, I’m quick to pick up on things."

Carroll would scratch her cheek, rather sheepishly, "Admittedly, this is a new experience for me. I don’t remember this happening with Terra’s mother. But, regardless, you claim that I’m able to sense your vibrations through this arm, yeah?"

Crossing her arms, the phantom of Europa would let out a soft chuckle. ”If you insist, then I shall stick around a while. But, the other half is that of Laguna 030, my soul mate. You may meet her someday if you keep recklessly duplicating parts,” Europa said. ”I am assuming Terra is another automaton you’ve encountered then? I could just peek at your memories, but…well, that would just be plain rude, wouldn’t it?”

"Terra is... was... I guess... my daughter... one of them... my last..." Carroll says. "In Wonderland, I wasn’t always tied to my current Alice. I was... someone’s daughter once... someone’s father once... twice... I guess, I was reckless," she chuckled, "I was probably the reason mother threw me on my ass, if I had to be honest. Even though she never showed me love, just rule. I suppose that’s why I rebelled so earnestly."

Carroll dragged her face with her false hand, "Why am I even bothering you with my bullshit life story? You wanted to tell me something. So, say your piece."

”Well, it would be very rude for me to just say something and poof after you’ve just given me your entire life story,” Europa said, leaning against a nearby wall. ”As for what I wanted to tell you…be careful with Eula’s parts. In spite of her having her other mother’s strength, she’s reckless. …Each part of her can’t be replaced as easily as one would think. After all…they did come from the two of us.”

"My replications are perfect, however," Carroll frowned, "I feel like I understand what you mean. That said, I can't make her act smartly and not break herself," she says, "Eventually, she will break completely, and then what?"

”Then, our last gift to her will let her keep going,” Europa said simply.

"I see," Carroll says, looking at her arm. "That leaves me in an odd position. How do I mend when that replaces sentimentality?"

”Simple, really. Only replace what can never be regained again,” Europa said.

"That’s so painfully cryptic," Carroll says.

”Aren’t all ghosts supposed to be?” Europa asked with a cheeky wink.

Carroll rolled her eyes, but chuckled, all the same. She wasn’t wrong.

Europa would close her eyes, her image growing a bit fainter. ”Looks like Eula’s waking up. Maybe we’ll talk again someday…though, do forgive Laguna if she’s a little…terse when you meet her. If at all.”

"I can be terse myself, if need be," Carroll says.

Europa’s mouth moved to say something but no sound came out as the static faded away.

"Another time, then," Carroll says, as her arm returned to normal.

Eula would awaken after a moment, rubbing her eyes. ”I…what was…”

"You just took a little nap. Probably worrying yourself so much," Carroll says.

”...Perhaps I need to recharge a while longer. That battle must have expended more energy than I thought.”

"Maybe," Carroll says. "I can probably help you recharge," she says, "If you like."

”I just need to rest a while but…I do appreciate the offer.”

"I see," Carroll says, noncommittally.

”...What did you have in mind, though?”

"Hm?" Carroll tilted her head, curious.

”Automatons recharge passively through an internal battery absorbing ambient mana from the atmosphere. I’m curious how you would be able to speed that process up.”

Carroll smirked, before transforming her left arm into Eula’s, "Figured, we can hold hands - double the speed."

Eula would reach out and clasp Carroll’s hand in both of her’s. ”I see. Wonderland science must be quite amazing if handholding doubles energy absorption.” Without even knowing it, Eula was committing the grandest social stigma of all Monstergirls! Handholding!

"I mean, if you think about it, if I replicated the functionalities of the “item” that is your “arm”, then I have gain the passive ability to absorb Mana and convert it into Electricity," Carroll says. "So, if I’m gaining power through your arm, and you are siphoning excess power from me, while gaining it naturally, theoretically, the conversion rate is multiplied. Maybe, not to double, but by zero-point-three for certain."

Carroll smirked, her hawkish, bored eyes lightning up, as she said, "And, one-point-three is zero-point-three more than one-point-zero, eh?"

Eula nodded, before continuing to hold Carroll’s hand, satisfied by her mathematical correctness. Though, as for whether Carroll would mind the feeling of a battery churning energy out inside of her…that was a tale for another time.

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

Vivian

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@AzureKnight(VRA)
...Well. Not that Vivian was interested, but that was rather rude. Were Shizuyamans under the impression all yokai were aggressive husband-napping bedwinners? ...Perhaps, that was true for other species, but she was certain that Glacies were probably the most capable of not losing to a man's charms right away. Her heart was literally frozen after all.

"Oh, not to worry, you're not my type either. You don't seem like you could keep up," Vivian said, before taking a seat on a nearby log, at least putting herself in a vulnerable enough position that Kazenosuke would guess that they weren't here to try and steal him away. Crossing one leg over the other, Vivian's left hand would rest upon her knee, the wood beneath her hissing just a bit as the water inside it froze. "Varã dear, badgering him about who he associates with is only going to make this harder. We've come to ask for your aid in defending...how did they pronounce it...Tearyouitchi temple? Your lord's son is beginning a little counterattack against the Varjans, and thought it might be wise to seek your blade to his cause."

Vivian would beckon for Varã to sit down on the log beside her, continuing to speak after a moment. "I imagine you have your reasons for not being at the beach, and won't pry into that matter. But I would like to know whether we walked out here to find a comrade, or a future enemy." Vivian, despite her sharp tongue, was doing her best to assuage any warrior's honor drivel that might come next, given that she didn't particularly care if Kazenosuke was busy taking care of his sick grandmother, or having a hangover when the battle happened.

Her job was just to see if he was willing to join their fight, not grade his attendance.

---

Matsuri

---

@Rezod92
"My faith comes from my gut, and my Father always said to trust it. And, thank you thank you thank you!" Matsuri said, eagerly following Lady Kyouko beside Zeka as they were taken to Kyouko's estate, then lead into a magical circle of some sort. Matsuri hadn't even considered keeping her ancestry secret, and as such would nod at Lady Kyouko's instructions. "Got it. I'm just a concerned fireworks maker from the mainland!" Matsuri said, straighting herself out, adjusting the strap that held her bamboo cannon against her back, and finally, give her tail a little fluff to make it a bit more presentable. She wouldn't back down from this, and was more than ready as white light enveloped the duo, depositing them in a wooden chamber.

Rubbing her eyes to get the blinding whiteness out of it, Matsuri's ears perked up as she heard Ayu speak. Once she could see, Matsuri would bow respectfully, saying: "Matsuri Okitsu, a pleasure to meet you. Oh, and you too, Ms. Zeka. Sorry. Didn't have a proper chance to introduce myself directly." With that short introduction out of the way, the inari would want to know where she could be of the most help. "I'm not the best at fighting, but I can cook, make fireworks, and I'm great with people. Oh and, I guess I have a fox's nose now," Matsuri listed her "best" traits to at least give Ayu an idea of what she could do, unaware that this was sort of a "pick your gig" kind of task force.

With an innocent gleam to her eyes, she would look at Ayu and ask: "Sooo, what should I do?"

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Liliana

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[@Breakthrough Crew!]
After the party thankfully said that Io zombifying an entire fort was a bad idea and maybe even a bit of a "moral evil", or even a "violation of human rights and ethics", and the Shizuka brothers made friends with one another, it was time for them to execute the plan! Hiding within the sake shipment, Liliana was more than capable of simply hiding between the large containers, so even if the others were spotted, she could...do...something?

...She didn't really think the plan B part through all the way, and Ayu also didn't seem sure on where she should go so...Liliana figured she'd pipe up. "Miss Ayu, I think you should stay with Shizuka. If anything goes wrong, you might be able to send a message or something, and be our eyes on the outside. At least, that's what I think. I'm not the best planner, but we're all a lot tougher than a normal person. If you got hurt, Takeshi would be super sad." With her piece said though, the fairy would shrink down and sit beside the shipment, ready to get the ball rolling.

---

Eula

---

@Enkryption,@Rezod92
After her heart-to-generator with Kerry, Eula would join her in exiting the tent only to find the entire temple area had been reconstructed, with a bevy of beverages and tarts laid out in a whimsical fashion. Eula had never been to the Wonderlands, but she could recognize the spontaneous banquet was probably caused by the present Mad Hatter. Or at least, she had to assume she was that, given their fashionable foppish floppy hat. Smelling the freshly conjured tarts and hearing the discourse of the humans assuming the worst, Eula would take a seat at a table and politely lift one of the "dangerous" tarts to her lips, taking a bite before her malfunctioning eye sparked a bit, her functioning eye lighting up. "Analyzing composition...mm! Finely made flour, salt, lard, chilled butter, golden syrup, lemon zest, heavy cream, eggs, and...apricot jam," the automaton happily said.

After that one bite she couldn't help herself from devouring the rest of the tart in one bite, wiping her mouth with a nearby napkin. "Not an ounce of wonderland magic was used in this, beyond its creation. As such, I can judge this to be 100% safe for human consumption," she said, standing after Alice's speech. "Please, Sorae. If you can't trust her, then trust those yokai who stood in defense of this temple," Eula said, washing down the apricot tart with a cup of black tea, approaching Sorae and looking her in the eyes.

"I know nothing about this woman, but Wonderland magic would certainly disrupt my internal systems if I ingested enough to harm humans. Your people are strong, but I can see that they're afraid. Of what comes next. Of what the future holds. I can promise that as many as I can protect will survive, but...surviving isn't enough." Turning towards the conjured banquet, Eula would gesture towards it with her free, un-bound arm, the almost-formerly-detached one resting in a sling. "Foreign treats from a land they'll never see. A reprieve from the fighting and fear. A chance to know the world itself doesn't want this place to fall. ...That much, is what this woman is promising. So please...let them do more than survive," Eula said, and, having said her peace, would grab another tart and bite into it, smiling warmly.

"...This one has blackberry jam..." she said, perhaps happier looking than she'd ever been since coming here as she felt the sweet taste of fruits, and the golden crust of baked goods melt in her mouth. Alice and Kerry were off to the hot springs, and as such that would just leave Eula and Carroll, the former wondering when the latter intended to finish the crusts of her tarts.