[hr][center][color=Goldenrod]S T E E L P E R F E C T I O N : S O V E R E I G N W I N D [/color][/center][hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/sGchRtt.jpg[/img][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/wMCyntf.png[/img][/center] [hr][b]Terauchi Temple[/b]: [@PaulHaynek] [@Enkryption] [@FroggRFlowR][hr] With Nyla's sudden departure, Takeshi and Kirei decided that the best option was to regroup and return to the temple, aborting their current mission. Having watched Janus teleport her back to Akamagaseki, Kirei emerged from the pagoda along with the young Lord and the armored warrior. Having said his dues, the latter left to attend to business elsewhere. Kirei turned and looked at the blade Takeshi held out. [color=beige]”I do wish her the best.”[/color] Kirei said, rubbing his chin. [color=beige]”It's always a bitter taste, having an ally leave the company for whatever their reasons. But, rest assured, we've still have a healthy amount of fighters at the ready. Of course, it goes without saying that you have the support of [i]my[/i] steel, Takeshi-san.”[/color] Kirei made a reassuring gesture, materializing an ornate tanto in his hand. [color=beige]”Milord, I'd like for you, Ayu-chan, and Janus-san to understand that I'm quite confident in my smithy skills as well. If you ever need weapon repair, armory resupply, or general tools, simply come to me and I'll work my literal magic. The metal I generate is leagues above most of what you'll come across; You won't be disappointed in my work. Heh, although I'm more comfortable with making weapons than household tools, if I'm being honest. ”[/color] Kirei said, rubbing his head with a sweatdrop showing on his face. He turned at the Claremont sisters, who seemed to be rather dismissive of a fellow taskforce member suddenly leaving. They said their peace, and carried on with their duties. Kirei thought that the sisters looked rather cute, and chuckled at the sight. He then appeared to think about something for a moment, or perhaps reminisce would be a better descriptor. The scene of the two siblings getting along seemed to make Kirei think about something from the past. [color=beige]”Yo!”[/color] Kirei said, walking over to Umami. [color=beige]”You and your sisters are the members who recently joined, yeah? I don't think I've properly introduced myself. Name's Kirei Kannazuki, our mutual benefactor Kyōko-san has named me as the acting caption of the taskforce aiding Takeshi-san. Let's get along, yeah?”[/color] He said, putting out his hand for a shake. His greetings were quickly interrupted when he sensed a strong draconic chi quickly approaching the camp. [color=beige]”Appears we've more company Milord. I can tell it's another yōkai, so she's likely an ally.”[/color] He said to Takeshi. As for the wayward dragon Tomi, she may find it rather curious that while Kirei wasn't the man she was expecting to run into, he held a scent similar to his which would confirm a blood tie... [hr] [hr][center][color=lightskyblue]I C Y C R E E D : B E W I T C H I N G D A R K N E S S[/color][/center][hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/5S1Pne9.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/THhHeQC.png[/img][/center] [hr][b]Terauchi Temple[/b]: [@PaulHaynek] [@Enkryption] [@FroggRFlowR][hr] Collab: [hider=Takamori - Blessed Sight: Part 1] Lavinia flew alone to Takamori's dojo, making good time with the speed of her flight unburdened. The dojo was situated on a cliff, overlooking a small village filled with ponds that emitted steam; The famed hot springs of Zipangu. The Rime Hellkite landed on the training grounds. She could see a house-like abode in front of an archery range that had three painted hay targets. There was also a bamboo stand near the edge too. However, the dojo was deserted and signs of fighting were littered everywhere. The sliding doors had been destroyed, arrows were stuck on the wood walls and splatters of blood were all over the grounds. While Lavinia was investigating one such sign, an arrow flew forth and landed just beside her foot, coming from the rooftop of the one building. The archer was a middle-aged man with glowing yellow eyes, dark blue hair and light skin. He wore a blue and white attire and wielded a finely-crafted bow with a nocked arrow ready to be loosed at Lavinia. "[color=yellow]Don't move, or the next one won’t miss.[/color]" He warned the Rime Hellkite. "[color=yellow]Now tell me what you're here for. This island is being invaded and I don't wanna waste my time on a yokai looking for a man to catch.[/color]" While Takamori couldn’t see it, Lavinia’s eyes were in a curious squint as she gazed up at the master. A handsome one at that. [color=lightskyblue]”You are the master archer Takamori, yes?”[/color] She said. [color=lightskyblue]”I mean you no harm, in fact quite the opposite. My business here lies with requesting your aid in driving out said invaders from your lands. You should know that Lord Takeshi Oja survived the skirmish in Sanjo. He and our team have currently made Terauchi Temple a base of operations so to speak. I am here on his behalf.”[/color] Takamori raised an eyebrow at the mention of ‘Takeshi Oja’. Still, he kept his aim at Lavinia. “[color=yellow]The young master would never enlist the aid of yokai.[/color]” He firmly declared, not believing the Rime Hellkite at all. “[color=yellow]I don’t have time to play around, yokai. What are you really here for?[/color]” The archer iterated his question again. [color=lightskyblue]”I reiterate: My associates and I [i]are[/i] her on this island to drive away the Varjan horde and assist the locals. As for Lord Takeshi, you would be correct, he was not the one who directly requested the aid of my kind in this fight. That would be a benefactor to the Oja family and Shizuyama from the mainland. We saved him during the fight at Sanjo, and he has entered into a shaky alliance with us due to time and circumstance.”[/color] Lavinia then looked at the arrow that intentionally missed her, then back up at Takamori. [color=lightskyblue]”Lord Takeshi mentioned your skills, and I’ve seen them first hand, I’m actually something of an archer myself. The lord was curious as to why you didn’t join the fight on the beach that night? Was there an issue that arose? If said issue still plagues you, I believe I could be of help.”[/color] “[color=yellow]Sounds to me that you and your group have captured Lord Takeshi. Albeit from the grasp of the Varjans, but captured nonetheless. Likely extracting information from him.[/color]” Takamori replied, still completely suspicious of Lavinia. “[color=yellow]Varjans and yokai running rampant on our island with the Oja Clan compromised. Shizuyama has truly fallen…[/color]” The master archer lamented. “[color=yellow]Well… Any last words, yokai?[/color]” [color=lightskyblue]”Yes, actually.”[/color] Lavinia said, arms folded. [color=lightskyblue]”Lord Takeshi isn’t captured. The reason that he isn’t here with me is because he was still dressed up as a miko.”[/color] She had bantered with the dojo master long enough. Hopefully that code would be enough to win Takamori over. The master archer’s eyes widened, and slowly lowered his bow. He then shook his head. “[color=yellow]For you to know that, the young master must have told you that willingly. Quite reluctantly, though, I‘m sure.[/color]” Takamori then released a deep sigh. “[color=yellow]I do not know why the young master would trust a yokai, much less send one in his stead, but I shall believe in his judgment... for now.[/color]” Takamori then slid down the roof and landed on the ground with grace expected of a samurai. "[color=yellow]Tell me everything you know, yokai. How you know Takeshi Oja and how you got him out of Sanjo Beach. The Varjan invasion force, at least the main bulk of it, was landing there. Takeshi survived, but did others? What about his father? Lord Hideo Oja?[/color]" He shot Lavinia a lot of questions. "[color=yellow]Don't tell me we actually won and repelled the Varjans.[/color]" [color=lightskyblue]”Goodness, I imagine that you’d like me to answer all of those questions in order?”[/color] Lavinia mused. [color=lightskyblue]”The benefactor I mentioned before is the one who informed us of the young heir and his family. They also informed us of the situation going on here on the island, hence why we’re here to help. We got him out of the battle at Sanjo by throwing ourselves into the battle and, quite literally, fought our way out of there with him in tow. As for the boy’s father, I believe he most likely got captured by the enemy. It is possible he was slain, but I’d like to think otherwise. ”[/color] “[color=yellow]You'll have to forgive me if I find you and your benefactor’s motivations suspect, yokai.[/color]” Takamori narrowed his eyes at Lavinia for a moment, but then sighed and assumed a more thoughtful gaze. “[color=yellow]...So Lord Oja may be captured, or dead in the sands of Sanjo. But his son still lives and… in command, somewhat. So there’s hope.[/color]” “[color=yellow]I suppose I should answer the questions you asked earlier. About why I wasn’t at the beach.[/color]” Takamori then looked at his ruined dojo. “[color=yellow]Well, Varjans happened. I was packing up to join the battle in Sanjo Beach when out of nowhere, a band of those bloody Varjans assaulted my home. I hid my daughter under the floorboards and led the Varjans away from here before picking them off one by one. When I came back... she's nowhere to be found, and the corpses of the Varjans I killed here were also gone.[/color]” “[color=yellow]They've taken her, yokai. And I intend to find her.[/color]” Takamori approached Lavinia as he finished. “[color=yellow]...I cannot join Lord Takeshi until I do.[/color]” Under her mask, Lavinia’s eyes sharpened, as she certainly loathed the notion that Takamori’s daughter was kidnapped almost as much as he did. [color=lightskyblue]”Then we’ve no time to lose, Sir Takamori. Please tell me, do you have any indication where they might have taken her, if so?”[/color] She said, sensing the immediate area of residual mana signatures. [color=lightskyblue]”If you have any of her belongings, I may be able to pick up her scent.”[/color] “[color=yellow]No, you won’t.[/color]” Takamori shook his head. “[color=yellow]I will not go against Lord Takeshi allying with yokai but I, myself, will not ride, much less fight, alongside them. I have my honor as a warrior of Shizuyama. Which means if I am not fighting you, I have to have as little involvement with your kind as much as possible.[/color]” He declared to Lavinia. “[color=yellow]...Go back to the young master. Tell him you found me, but I can only offer my sword after I find my daughter.[/color]” Takamori needed more convincing, or perhaps just a more stubborn head. Lavinia made a light scoff at Takamori’s refusal for assistance. [color=lightskyblue]”I’m afraid I can’t do that, Sir Takamori, as that would be considered a breach of the trust we’ve established with Lord Takeshi. As you have a duty to the Lord as an ally and to your daughter as a father, so too do I as his new ally and to your child as a human in need. Yokai, I may be, I won’t sit idly by and allow innocents to suffer. Even if you refuse my aid, I’ll simply find the brigands who kidnapped her and save her myself, then deliver her to you unharmed.”[/color] Takamori was silent at Lavinia’s own declaration, before closing his eyes and releasing a deep sigh. “[color=yellow]...Try to keep up, yokai. And no need for scents, look at those.[/color]” - The moist soils of the Onrai region meant that footprints from people were easily left behind. It was not difficult for Lavinia and Takamori to find a large set of footprints that led out of the dojo and into the roads. “[color=yellow]My daughter's name is Setsuna. She's... not actually my blood daughter, she's an orphan I adopted. I found her skulking in my dojo looking for food. When I tried to apprehend her, she fought back... and she fought back well. I decided to take her under my wing.[/color]” Takamori said as they followed the trail. “[color=yellow]She has a lot of potential. Could grow up as a mighty warrior, capable of slaying yokai by the dozens. No offense.[/color]” [color=lightskyblue]”None taken, hmhm~”[/color] Lavinia mused. She walked along the trail of footprints with the master archer, finding the tale of him and his adopted daughter to be rather interesting. [color=lightskyblue]”Do you know why they would want to kidnap your daughter? Are they trying to get to you, perhaps? Or, could they be attempting to use her skills for themselves?”[/color] Lavinia’s last sentence made Takamori pause. “[color=yellow]...I may be famous on this island, but I have little reason to believe I am known beyond Shizuyama. And less could be said about Setsuna, not many know that I’ve adopted a daughter. I don’t think even the Oja Clan knows.[/color]” The master archer replied. “[color=yellow]This may just be a random kidnapping by ruthless thugs. Still, what you said could be a possibility. Just one I hope isn’t true.[/color]” The trail soon led to a small fort by a cliffside. Takamori took Lavinia behind an outcrop on a hill overlooking the fort. “[color=yellow]...I hoped we could've caught up to them before she was taken to anything fortified. Looks like that was too much to hope for.[/color]” He remarked. “[color=yellow]This is Fort Nakayama. It's no special fort but with the right men, this place can last weeks.[/color]” The fort was small and its walls were made of crisscrossed wood beams. There were two watchtowers at the farther corners of the fort, a housing quarters for the defenders and a stables for the horses. Its original occupants were likely all dead in Sanjo Beach and now, Varjans occupy the fort. It was not a large contingent, maybe two dozen men at most and there were only a couple of those fully-armored Varjan Warriors. Most of them were fur-armored or unarmored Brigands. “[color=yellow]Fortunately for us, the Varjans aren't 'right' men.[/color]” Takamori smiled, which quickly disappeared as he continued. “[color=yellow]I can't believe I'm doing this but... take the lead and I'll support you. You're a yokai, a creature that can match entire units of warriors. The Varjans won't stand a chance, and you'll have me to watch your back.[/color]” Lavinia Looked over the fort that Takamori led her to. As he stated, it wasn’t awfully impressive. Moreover, the troops manning the place didn’t seem all that strong either. While reassuring, Lavinia’s less…savoury side felt a bit of disappointment at the lack of suitable “prey”. She turned to Takamori at his suggestion. [color=lightskyblue]”I’ll take your statement of my kind’s strength as a compliment. I’ll follow your lead here.”[/color] She said. With that, Takamori would witness Lavinia seemingly dissipate into a veil of ebony haze, before reappearing within the grounds of the fort. She hid behind some crates to remain out of sight. She looked over a few brigands conversing amongst themselves. Chatting about the current supply stock and trouble from any rebellious locals with some fight left in them. Taking advantage of their lack of attention, Lavinia would create a shroud of darkness around the three warriors, completely blocking not just their sight, but also anyone who was looking at the said spot. To be honest, Lavinia didn’t like killing humans any more than any other member of her kind. But, these humans were the worst of the worst, and didn’t even offer children any quarter… Creating a dagger of ice, Lavinia was already on the blinded bandits whilst brandishing her icy weapon. It was almost like an instant: a cut across the jugular, a stab to the back of the head, and a slit across the throat. Each warrior would feel a sharp and freezing pain before being taken by death’s cold embrace. All but one. The poor chap with the jugular wound didn’t receive a fatal hit, as she decided to leave him alive for questioning. The veil would lift, and Takamori would see two downed Varjans, one being held by her, and a bloodied ice dagger being held by the hellkite. She dispelled her shroud, and drug her captured prey into the shadows. Holding the knife to his throat, she spoke plainly and coldly to the man. [color=lightskyblue]”Answer my questions truthfully, and I might think about letting you see the sun tomorrow. Do you and your buddies recall kidnapping a young girl and bringing her here? She was likely carrying a bow, if she’s here tell me where you're keeping her.”[/color] The Brigand got a glimpse of his captor and his eyes widened. “[color=aba000]M-Moooonsterrrrrrrr![/color]” The captured Varjan Brigand yelled and panicked, unintentionally alerting the whole fort. The other Varjans mobilized and armed themselves before finding themselves being peppered with accurate arrows from outside the fort, forcing them to hide walls and shields. The two Varjan Warriors, armed with round targets and axes, found Lavinia and the captured Brigand. One of the former immediately swung his axe at the hellkite, but Lavinia was quick enough to easily evade it. Unfortunately, the axe instead found the flesh of the captured Varjan. The two Warriors paid no mind to the friendly fire and gave chase to the Rime Hellkite. Lavi gritted her teeth as the man yelled at the top of his lungs, completely blowing her cover. Soon the witch would find herself surrounded by the bulk of the Varjans garrisoned at the fort. However, true to his word, a good chunk of them found themselves snuffed out by Takamori's bolts. This softened the onslaught coming Lavinia's way, as some brigands hid behind crates and other cover to avoid being struck. However, Takamori's sniping wouldn't be enough to scare off all of her attackers, as two warriors came to charge her. Lavinia clicked her tongue as she attempted to evade a swing from one of them; The warrior had instead cut down his own former teammate. They didn't seem bothered about killing one of their own, a fact that didn't seem to surprise Lavinia. She froze the hands of the attacker who swung first, sticking his hands to his weapon. She then kicked him into the other brigand, and finished them off with an icy arrow of her own. After dispatching the two Varjan Warriors, the remaining Varjans had a good look as to who exactly was attacking them. “[color=fff79a]Damn it, we're not here to fight! Much less fight a monster with backup! We gotta get out of here![/color]” The Varjans who were still standing up and breathing quickly made their way out of the fort, trying to avoid Lavinia as much as possible. Some of the routed Varjans had arrows planted on their backs as they fled, increasing the body count. Soon the fort only had Lavinia within who was then joined by Takamori. “[color=yellow]These Varjans fight like drunk Gyoubu Danukis.[/color]” He remarked before surveying the area. “[color=yellow]Alright, yokai. Let's look for Setsuna, or any clues as to where she could be.[/color]” The Hellkite and the samurai split up during the search to cover more ground. Lavinia's flight allowed her to see from the air, and she found a peculiar sight. Behind the living quarters was a bamboo cage full of still-living Shizuyaman villagers. Approaching the cramped cage, she saw that there were probably six or seven prisoners inside a cell fit only for four. Of course, the imprisoned villagers immediately took notice of Lavinia. “[color=f26522]Waaah! A yokai![/color]” “[color=8dc73f]...That's it, we're dead. But at least we'll have a pretty sight before we croak.[/color]” “[color=6ecff6]Yeah, I heard yokai kill you with sex. Much better than being hacked to death by Varjans.[/color]” [color=lightskyblue]”My goodness! I can see that Lord Takeshi was not being hyperbolic when he described your archery skills, and [i]I’m[/i] wearing an eye bandage!”[/color] Lavinia said, making a corny joke. One that Takamori likely wouldn’t find all that amusing. Indeed the dojo master made quick work of any further attackers that attempted to come Lavi’s way, and even took out some unlucky ones who couldn’t flee fast enough. Taking heed to his instruction, Lavi surveyed the rest of the fort, eventually making her way to a holding area of sorts. She immediately felt pity for the captured souls; It was nothing short of inhumane the way the Varjans threw these natives into these cramped and hastily made cages like animals. Not to her surprise, they cowarded at Lavi’s approached. [color=lightskyblue]”Fret not, my fine men.”[/color] Lavi said. [color=lightskyblue]”While I say again you are all [i]fine[/i] men, I’m not here to mate. In addition, killing you is something I would never do. My only wish is to aid your people and drive away the Varjan menace plaguing your lands.”[/color] With her monstrous strength, she easily swatted away the flimsy bamboo bars that blocked the Shizuyamas from escaping. [color=lightskyblue]”You are free now, gentlemen. Ah, however, I would humbly wish for but a moment of your time. My associate and I are looking for a young girl named Setsuna, she was captured by the enemy and likely imprisoned somewhere if not here. She was probably carrying a bow before being captured, do any of you recall seeing anyone matching that description?”[/color] She asked in a gentle tone, making sure not to scare or upset the already weary natives. “[color=f26522]Setsuna? You mean, Lord Takamori’s adopted daughter? Are you with Lord Takamori?[/color]” “[color=8dc73f]Lord Takamori would never involve himself with yokai.[/color]” But the master archer himself joined the conversation as the villagers walked out of their cage. “[color=yellow]Never mind about that. Answer her question, where's my daughter. Where's Setsuna?[/color]” The question elicited gulps and side glances from the villagers. “[color=yellow]What's wrong? What happened to her?[/color]” “[color=f26522]My lord, I cannot be too sure if it was her since I don't know her face but…[/color]” One of the villagers began. “[color=f26522]There was a girl, imprisoned like us. But then she told the Varjans that she was a great warrior, told them that she was your daughter and student. She offered her skills and knowledge to them in exchange for freedom.[/color]” Takamori's eyes widened in disbelief. “[color=f26522]As a test of her loyalty, she was asked to kill a couple. Tobio and Hachi. She slaughtered them without hesitation. The Varjans gave her a room in the barracks.[/color]” “[color=yellow]No... no…[/color]” Takamori bolted towards the living quarters with Lavinia likely following him inside. Checking each of the rooms, he found one that differed from all the others. Within that room were articles that was Shizuyaman rather than Varjan. Takamori surveyed the room before his eyes focused on a clothing rack containing a kimono, yellow in color. “[color=yellow]This is Setsuna's kimono…[/color]” Takamori muttered. Looking over at the table with scrolls, he picked one up. “[color=yellow]Setsuna's writing... telling the Varjans about strategic points in Shizuyama.[/color]” Finding a quiver full of arrows, Takamori grabbed one and observed it. “[color=yellow]When I make arrows, I make them like this. Something I taught to Setsuna.[/color]” Finally convinced with the evidence, Takamori walked outside with his mind elsewhere. “[color=yellow]Damn it… I should've known…[/color]” Lavinia made a cute pout as it seemed that the villagers weren’t going to be cooperative in helping with their search. That was, however, until Takamori himself appeared before them, asking for information in a more solemn tone. The story they told was quite shocking, even to the Umbra Witch… Setsuna, Takamori’s daughter and promising Shizuyaman warrior, turned betrayer?! Takamori’s initial response was an expected one: why would he believe that his adopted daughter would kill her own people for the enemy? Lavi quickly followed him into the fort’s living quarters, where they happened upon a room that had a unique interior. As he investigated the left belongings, his demeanour and expression became grimmer. Looking at an arrow she apparently left, this apparently the final piece of evidence that confirmed Takamori’s suspicions. Walking back outside, he was beside himself in disbelief as he muttered to himself. Lavinia gritted her teeth, as there was likely nothing she could say to the man right now… She quickly turned back to the freed villagers. [color=lightskyblue]”Please, do any of you know where the remaining soldiers could’ve fled to?! Are they any nearby villages or forts that you’ve heard them setting up shop at?”[/color] The remaining villagers shook their heads. “[color=f26522]Varjans probably have occupied the nearby villages and forts, madam yokai, but Setsuna could be in any of them.[/color]” One of the villagers replied. “[color=f26522]It has been a while since she left with a detachment.[/color]” “[color=yellow]Looks like it’s going to take some time to find her again.[/color]” Takamori remarked, emerging from behind Lavinia. “[color=yellow]We’re finished for today, yokai. I’m going to need some time to rest, and think.[/color]” “[color=yellow]Tell Lord Takeshi that he only needs to call for me if he needs me. In the meantime, I’m going to search for clues as to where my ‘daugther’ could be. I need to stop her before she hurts any more people.[/color]” Takamori concluded. “[color=yellow]I’ll also report to Terauchi Temple once I’m done here.[/color]” [color=lightskyblue]”I...I see. I suppose I’ll have to trace her scent using that arrow then.”[/color] She said, before Takamori came from behind her. The samurai agreed to assist the Taskforce and Lord Takeshi, but he would first continue to sort things out in regards to his missing daughter and her involvement with the invaders. Takeshi would likely be understanding once informed about Master Takamori’s situation [color=lightskyblue]”I understand Master Takamori. Please let us know right away when you make any headway in your search. I pray that you find your daughter safe and sound, and that this whole mess is completely settled. I bid you and the other villagers farewell for now. ”[/color] Those were Lavinia’s last words to the master archer before disappearing in a ebony flash, leaving behind a bit of white feathers. She would return to the temple and inform Ayu of the news. Takamori’s tale was a tragic one, but at least they had a new ally. One’s whose tale would end as a happy one… [/hider] -- A veil of darkness had appeared in the center of the temple grounds, and emerging from it was Lavinia. She had completed her mission, although for personal reasons Takamori could not make his way to Terauchi currently. She witnessed Kirei and Lord Takeshi emerged from a pagoda, along with Janus. After Janus left, she walked over to the both of them. [color=lightskyblue]”Lord Takeshi, I've returned and bring...somewhat good news.”[/color] She said. [color=lightskyblue]”You'll be happy to know that Takamori is alive and well, and I was successful in recruiting him to our cause!”[/color] She said, cheerfully. [color=lightskyblue]”Err, however, it seems that he couldn't come back with me currently as through less than good news - we've found evidence that his daughter has apparently betrayed her people by siding with the Varjans. He's further investigating the matter, but he'd assured me that you could call on his bow at anytime.”[/color] She made a polite curtesy to both men. [color=lightskyblue]”Now then, if you'll excuse me, I believe I shall rest for a moment. Believe it or not, manipulating darkness to travel is rather taxing!”[/color] Walking within the temple grounds, Lavinia happened upon Ripcord, who she witnessed materialize a miner's hat along with a pickaxe. While a bit winded from her previous outing, Lavinia's curiosity got the better of her. She sensed a strange aura about the girl. [color=lightskyblue]”My goodness, I didn't know we had spelunkers as part of our merry little group. We could you possibly be off to, dressed like that.”[/color] Lavinia said, standing over Ripcord. [hr] [hr][center][color=firebrick]N O B L E S S E O B L I G E : S O U L O F F I R E[/color][/center][hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/9EmSvxG.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/vhVgBGr.png[/img][/center] [hr][b]Kazenosuke's House:[/b] [@PaulHaynek] [@The Irish Tree] [@Rezod92][hr] Vară was beside herself with ire, her feelings from the last mission still lingering on her mind along with Kazenosuke’s insufferable attitude weren’t helping in the slightest. The fiery mamono had even ignored their new cohort Zeka, who had been watching the group from the shadows up until this point. Kazenosuke didn’t seem as though he was too shaken up by his homeland and countrymen being slaughtered by the barbarous Varjan horde, and even cracked jokes at Takeshi’s situation. However, it’s what he said afterward that really set her off. [i]Are you even worth helping?[/i] [color=firebrick]”You…asshole vagabond!”[/color] She exclaimed. [color=firebrick]”All we’ve done is bleed and struggle to ensure your country is saved, and you question if it’s even worth it?! You disgrace Lord Takeshi and your people! BUT! If all you want now is to fight, I’ll give you one more than you bargained for!”[/color] Vară, her anger now boiled to its peak, had immediately transformed into her full demon mode and summoned her bulky familiar Camael to her side. She opted to have him take the form of her fiery battle axe, which shone with a brilliant vermillion hue around its edges. [color=firebrick]”Camael and I alone will crush you! The others won’t even need to get involved, they can sit back and watch you whimper as my flames cook you! If you fight as badly as you tell jokes, this won’t take long. Prepare yourself, vagabond!”[/color] Without any planning or regard for her teammates, the demoness charged straight at Kazenosuke and attempted to slam Camael into him via a downward swing. Aside from the strike itself which may have been easy to dodge, Kazenosuke would also have to worry about the embers that would no doubt erupt from the impact as well.