[center][h3]Komatsu Bay[/h3][/center]
[center][b]BREAKTHROUGH[/b][/center]
[center]~ [@AzureKnight] (SHI), [@Crowvette], [@Restalaan] (SKA) ~[/center]

[quote=Shizuka Kannazuki][color=royalblue]"For example. Who is Lord Serek'uar? Is he the one leading this bloody invasion of these lands? Where is he keeping Lord Oja and what are his plans? Speak, wretch, and I [i]might[/i] let you live a bit longer!"[/color][/quote]

"[color=6ecff6]Lord Serek'uar is the most powerful Sapphire Prince in Varjo! Second only to the Weaver Of Fate![/color]" Merneptah, surprisingly, answered pretty honestly. "[color=6ecff6]And he has your precious Island Lord in Castle Kaneda! Hideo Oja is likely an ally of Varjo by now, and he will soon convince the rest of this backwater island to bend their knees to the Caldeyrons![/color]"

[u]Skarsneek[/u] attacked first and Merneptah fell for the feint, attempting to block the fake strike and getting hit by the real attack. "[color=6ecff6]Argh![/color]" Despite that, the Warlock still stood and he retaliated with a fast swing of both his ethereal blades. They looked like they would hurt but fortunately for [u]Skarsneek[/u], he was protected by [u]Io's[/u] barrier spell. It may have been a spell against projectiles, but it worked anyway.

[u]Shizuka[/u] was next and Merneptah, once again, fell for the trick attacks. The Warlock blocked the sheath with one of his swords and was about to slash [u]Shizuka[/u] with the other, but the latter drew his blade faster. [u]Shizuka's[/u] lightning-infused slash tore through Merneptah's armor and sprayed blood to a direction. The ethereal swords faded into nothing as the Warlock fell face first into the mud. [u]Shizuka[/u] may have overdone it, but Merneptah still had a bit of spirit energy. Meaning he was still alive, but barely.

However, the taskforce trio would not have a chance to interrogate him. The fighting in the manor had attracted some patrols who rushed forth to aid their leaders. The conjured fog has lifted and they all stood in awe at the sight of the taskforce and the fallen Warlock. They knew what to do, yet their resolve wavered. Their arms were drawn, but they hesitated using them.

That was, until, the trio heard chanting coming from the patrols' backlines, which grew louder and louder until they could make out what the chant was.

"[color=aba000]NA - KRATZ![/color]"

"[color=aba000]NA - KRATZ![/color]"

"[color=aba000]NA - KRATZ![/color]"

The Varjan crowd parted to reveal a warrior in armor of overlapping plates and a steel mask that showed off a terrifying visage. This figure was familiar to the taskforce members present. [u]Skarsneek[/u] fought him in Sanjo Village. [u]Shizuka[/u] and [u]Io[/u] saw him attempting to sway Kazenosuke to the Varjan side.

"[color=mediumpurple]Well, well, well. Look at what we have here.[/color]" Na'kratz greeted the trio with arms stretched out, showing off his claw weapons on his gauntlets. The chanting continued as he spoke. "[color=mediumpurple]A bunch of misfits trying to take a fortress-town by their lonesome by eliminating the leadership. Smart and bold, I'll give you three that.[/color]" The taskforce trio could feel danger emanating from this one warrior. "[color=mediumpurple]Well, the leadership is here. What are you waiting for?[/color]"

The rain continued to pour, but the water could not put out the fiery morale the Varjans currently possess. It will be up to the taskforce to do that.

"[color=mediumpurple]Oh, it's the Goblin from Sanjo Village. I thought the locals would have carved you a new one already, but I suppose the Shizuyamans are weaker than I expected.[/color]" Na'kratz recognized [u]Skarsneek[/u].

[center]---[/center]
[center]~ [@The Irish Tree] (LIL) ~[/center]

The Champion tried his best to listen for his opponent. But did not hear [u]Liliana[/u] preparing her 'Heavenly Strike' technique at all, until it was far too late.

[quote=Liliana][color=f49ac2][b]"Heavenly Strike!"[/b][/color][/quote]

He heard the call out, and his body reacted accordingly. But it was all for naught, [u]Liliana[/u] zipped from her position to just past the Champion in a fraction of a second. "[color=f49ac2]Urgh...[/color]" The Varjan stood still for a moment before collapsing into a heap. This fight was over.

The summoned Minotaur continued wreaking havoc on the hapless Varjans, who were routing and fleeing from the perceived monstrosity. Meanwhile, [u]Liliana[/u] heard the chanting of a crowd coming from the manor area. The sounds were far away, but she was close enough that she could make out what was being said.

"[color=aba000]NA - KRATZ![/color]"

"[color=aba000]NA - KRATZ![/color]"

"[color=aba000]NA - KRATZ![/color]"

Perhaps the warrior Fairy should head there to investigate, and maybe help her allies.

[hr]
[center][h3]Shizuyama Wilderness[/h3][/center]
[center][b]TEACHER AND STUDENT[/b][/center]
[center]~ [@Rezod92] ~[/center]

"[color=yellow]Only a fool asks questions before the fight is over, yokai. Otherwise, your enemy can use their answers against you and gain the upper hand.[/color]" Takamori lectured [u]Kerry[/u]. "[color=yellow]And whether or not you fight her isn't your decision to make. Maybe it's not even hers to make. If she's working for the Varjans, there's a good chance you and her will confront each other sooner or later.[/color]"

"[color=yellow]She's also claimed the lives of innocent Shizuyamans.[/color]" Takamori's anger was gone, replaced with sorrow. "[color=yellow]...Her life is forfeit.[/color]"

Takamori said nothing more as [u]Kerry[/u] woke up one of the surviving Varjan Footmen. "[color=f7976a]W-Wha--? Please, don't hurt me![/color]" The Footman dangling on the edge held up his hands before [u]Kerry[/u] and Takamori. "[color=f7976a]I'll do anything you want![/color]"

"[color=yellow]How about you answer our questions?[/color]" Takamori replied. "[color=yellow]Setsuna? Where is she?[/color]"

"[color=f7976a]She's... she's a captain now, in our army. Has her own unit and everything. Some of the Varjans couldn't believe they were taking orders from a local, but the higher-ups have made their decision.[/color]" The Footman answered, surprisingly honestly. "[color=f7976a]She's never in one place for too long. Trains the guys in one fort, then heads to another.[/color]"

"[color=yellow]Do you have anything else? Hearsay? Rumors?[/color]" Takamori pressed.

"[color=f7976a]There's a... there's a recurring topic with her, from what I've heard.[/color]" The Footman continued. "[color=f7976a]Something about her teacher, and some hot springs.[/color]"

The last words made Takamori suddenly walk away to ruminate, staring at the valley with his mind elsewhere. It was doubtful he cared much about what [u]Kerry[/u] would do to their Footman captive. "[color=f7976a]Look, that's all I know. I swear![/color]" He begged the Hornet.

[hr]
[center][h3]Shizuyama Wilderness[/h3][/center]
[center][b]THE HUSBAND[/b][/center]
[center]~ [@The Irish Tree] (EUL) ~[/center]

[quote=Eula 039][color=C48BD3][b]"Preparing to incapacitate Varjan caster, Sorae,"[/b][/color][/quote]

Sorae nodded. She waited a moment for [u]Eula[/u] to align the shot perfectly so she need not worry about the Firethrower and just focus on the chaff.

When the warrior woman charged with a yell, the Varjan group immediately noticed. The Firethrower was the first to greet Sorae, and the first to fall thanks to [u]Eula's[/u] precise stunning shot. Sorae made quick work of the Brigands, felling them with a single slash each with her naginata. The two Varjan Warriors required more work, but [u]Eula[/u] bore witness to Sorae's unique ability. Whenever she stood on one leg like a crane bird and her naginata withdrawn, the Varjan's swings seem to go through her which allowed for some very devastating counterattacks.

Meanwhile, the tied up woman was left all alone. Her arms were firmly bound to her body, but her feet was still free. She used this opportunity to haul ass, running away from the fight as quickly as she could. Since this woman was apparently the objective, [u]Eula[/u] should probably go after her.

[hr]
[center][h3]Fort Tanabe[/h3][/center]
[center][b]SECOND CHANCE[/b][/center]
[center]~ [@AzureKnight] (HIN & ATS), [@Restalaan] (GRI) ~[/center]

[quote=Gringor][color=f7941d]"Simple, they fought hard, lost and captured. Then treat them well so they can join, since they're stronger. Same for orcs, losers that don't fight, not fun. Those that fight good and lose, still losers but fun and have worth."[/color][/quote]

[quote=Hinami Hangai][color=7bcdc8]"I think my nee-san calls it reverse...psy-chology? It's where you act the opposite of how you normally would towards a person to get them to do what you want! My nee-san always did it when clients didn't pay a good enough fee for our services!"[/color][/quote]

Kikyo was silent at [u]Gringor[/u] and [u]Hinami's[/u] words, merely looking away. It seemed their answers gave her some very unpleasant thoughts. "[color=lavender]...Let's go rendezvous with Lord Takeshi. I must inform him of this.[/color]"

[quote=Atsuha Hangai][color=9e0b0f]"Honestly, you're always so reckless. You're well being is important for the survival of these lands, plus you should respect that it's our [b]job[/b] to look after you!"[/color][/quote]

"Ah, man. If I had a gold coin every time someone said that to me, I could probably hire an army to defeat the Varjans!" Takeshi laughed at his own joke, patting one of [u]Atsuha's[/u] arachnid legs seemingly without a care in the world. "But seriously, I appreciate what you're doing. I really do."

[quote=Atsuha Hangai][color=9e0b0f]"Though, oddly enough, the prisoners didn't seem worse for the wear. Given the Varjan's track record, you'd think they be covered in wounds and on the verge of starvation..."[/color][/quote]

The smile on Takeshi's face disappeared, as confusion set in. "...Pardon?"

"[color=lavender]She speaks the truth, milord.[/color]" Kikyo arrived with [u]Gringor[/u] and [u]Hinami[/u]. "[color=lavender]It doesn't make any sense. The men said the Varjans didn't hurt them. They were fed, instead. Good food too.[/color]" It was no wonder [u]Atsuha[/u] heard them singing before she rescued them.

Takeshi was beginning to piece together what was happening. "Let's just be grateful they've been rescued."

"[color=lavender]Why? Why would the Varjans feed them and treat them differently?[/color]" Kikyo pressed the issue.

"Maybe they were expecting something in return." Takeshi said out loud the obvious part.

Kikyo looked away and was silent for a moment, before speaking again. "[color=lavender]These men will be indebted to you. You have their gratitude, and mine too.[/color]" The warrior woman bowed at Takeshi, who smiled back. "[color=lavender]I'll lead the freed prisoners back to Terauchi Temple. You're all free to join me if you wish.[/color]" Kikyo said before taking command of the liberated warriors.

Takeshi then joined the taskforce members present. "Let's hope Shizuka and his group are doing well. Once they've returned, we can begin planning a rescue of my father." He said to them. "But that's for the immediate future. Right now, do any of you wanna go somewhere or should we all head back to the temple?"

[hr]
[hr]
[hr]

[center]~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~[/center]

[hider=Breakthrough (ONGOING)]
"Lady Kyouko needs a port to dock her fleet to properly engage the Varjan armada and deliver supplies, and that port will be Komatsu Bay. If we're going to liberate the fortress, we'll need help and Ayu says she has a friend for the job. We can join her and go to this friend's house, just outside Komatsu Bay."
-Takeshi Oja
[/hider]

[hider=Second Chance (ONGOING)]
"We almost have everything we need to save my father. However, we cannot leave the refugees of Terauchi Temple defenseless. We need warriors to fortify and defend the temple while we are away. Kikyo knows of some imprisoned warriors who can help replenish our ranks."
-Takeshi Oja
[/hider]

[center]~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~[/center]

[hider=Teacher And Student (ONGOING)]
"Lord Takamori said that his traitorous daughter, Setsuna, is training Varjan archers in Ōmiya. I know this frightens him, even if he tries to hide it. If we don't find her and end this, there may be no stopping the archers, and no hope for Ōmiya Springs. We need to see Lord Takamori immediately."
-Takeshi Oja
[/hider]

[center]~~ SORAE TALES ~~[/center]

[hider=The Husband (ONGOING)]
"Lady Sorae told me that Kana, Sogen's wife, has disappeared during the attack on the temple. She wants help tracking her down as Kana is the only lead we have on the identities and whereabouts of the killers of Clan Tokinomiya."
-Takeshi Oja
[/hider]

[center]~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~[/center]

[hider=Whispers In The Woods]
A villager woman remarked to the taskforce member as the latter passed by.

"You better watch out if you're passing Yabo Forest, yokai. It's haunted by angry spirits... Dead samurai, eager to spill blood."

"People go into the woods and never come out. Varjan and Shizuyaman alike! The bodies that turn up have all been killed by Shizuyaman blades..."
[/hider]

[hider=The Other Side Of Honor]
A peasant man eating barbecued meat on a stick was startled when the taskforce member approached. It appeared he has news.

"Yokai! You have to tell Lord Takeshi, there is another samurai noble who survived Sanjo Beach. His name is Lord Tonchiki. He's in his abode southeast of here. If you go see him, I'm sure he would join your cause."

"Err, maybe not. I guess you'll need Lord Takeshi himself to convince him."
[/hider]

[hider=Shizuyama's Freedom]
A villager sitting on some stone steps in the temple stood up when the taskforce member approached. 

"Yokai, I've heard of a small resistance group gathering in the Imahama Area. I believe they're headed by that shrine priestess that started a fight here not too long ago."

"They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not trained."
[/hider]

[hider=Bottoms Up]
A peasant man warming his hands on a bonfire noticed the taskforce member passing by.

"Yokai, you must do something! It's Ayane's sake brewery in Imahama. That brewery is the pride of Shizuyama, but soon there will be none left. The Varjans are taking it by force."
[/hider]

[center]~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~[/center]

[hider=The Heavenly Strike]
"Dealing with these students of the Heavenly Strike was more difficult than we thought. They have already thrown back two of the taskforce. However, the yokai fought them separately and at different times, so perhaps a more cooperative approach would be more fruitful."
-Takeshi Oja
[/hider]