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

Na'kratz's beatdown of [u]Io[/u] was interrupted with [u]Skarsneek[/u] swinging down his weapons at his head. The force made the Amethyst Prince stumble back, but he recovered just as quickly.

Before [u]Skarsneek[/u] knew it, he was dodging and taking punches and jabs from the half-maddened Na'kratz. The fists flew and came too fast for [u]Skarsneek[/u] to mount any counter. The Goblin could see openings in-between the swings, but he could not be fast enough to actually exploit them. He had to watch for the next punch as soon as the previous one ended.

[u]Skarsneek[/u] must find a way out of this besides technique, or hold Na'kratz off long enough for his allies to intervene.

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

[quote=Liliana][color=f49ac2][b]"Alright busters, you've got no chance now! Let's mess them up, then go help Shizuka and everyone else,"[/b] [/color][/quote]

Ayu was got a bit flustered from the hug and simply laughed. "[color=red]Heh, this is the least I could do for the things you did for Shizuyama.[/color]"

[u]Liliana[/u] and Ayu resumed their attack on the Varjan encirclement, their master unaware that the circle had been broken. Because of the Fairy's and the spymaster's actions, the manor was no longer surrounded as the Varjan forces descended upon the two to deal with them.

As [u]Liliana[/u] continued the assault, Ayu covered her with arrows flying from her bow to the Varjans. The invaders fell to the duo, up until a fearsome-looking Varjan approached with a two-handed mace and more armored than the typical Varjan Warrior. A decaying skull affixed at the top of his helmet. "[color=red]Watch out, Liliana! That one's an Elite![/color]" Ayu warned.

The rain continued to fall as Varjan Elite charged the Fairy with a horizontal swing.

[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]"Lady Sorae. I promised no undue harm would come to her. Just because she swore on her life doesn't make it forfeit. If anything, sparing her will prove an important point. You are not like the barbarians that have come to slaughter. You have come for justice. Not vengeance. Correct? We have the map. That will suffice."[/b][/color][/quote]

Sorae made a dark smile to [u]Eula[/u], unfazed at the Automaton's strength and piercing eyes. "[color=mediumslateblue]...Perhaps I have come for vengeance, yokai.[/color]"

However, Sorae relaxed her grip on her naginata but allowed [u]Eula[/u] to continue holding onto it if the latter felt she could not trust the former. "[color=mediumslateblue]You owe this yokai your life, Kana. Remember that, for the rest of your pitiful life.[/color]" Sorae then gestured with her face. "[color=mediumslateblue]Now go. The next time I see you, you'd better be licking the mud off this yokai's soles.[/color]" Despite the venomous words, the last Tokinomiya watched Kana flee for her life back to Terauchi Temple.

"[color=mediumslateblue]Now then, let's see what this map's all about.[/color]"

The map was simple, but coded. However, Sorae immediately recognized what it all meant. "[color=mediumslateblue]This is a map of supply routes, utilizing Shizuyama's relatively-unknown trails to deliver supplies inconspicuously.[/color]" She began to explain to [u]Eula[/u]. "[color=mediumslateblue]Ayu told me that they were using these trails since there are hidden refugee camps all over the island. Not everybody can make it to the safety of Terauchi Temple.[/color]"

"[color=mediumslateblue]You... you don't think Ayu has anything to do with my family's murder, do you?[/color]"

[hr]
[center][h3]Shizuyama Wilderness[/h3][/center]

[center]~ [@Restalaan] (GRI) ~[/center]

[quote=Gringor][color=f7941d]“But can help, if you help me bash some Varjan ‘eads in.”[/color][/quote]

"[color=crimson]Of course, of course! I'll bash in as many Varjan heads as you want![/color]" The stranger replied.

He watched, with bated breath, [u]Gringor[/u] use his axe to free the cart from the muddy terrain. Despite the High Orc's muscly appearance and powerful axe, the stranger didn't seem to believe the male monster could do it. He was proven wrong, of course, when the cart's wheel was taken out of the mud and was perfectly useable again.

"[color=crimson]You did it! I knew you could it! Never doubted for a second![/color]" The stranger lied as easily as he breathed. "[color=crimson]Err, about the Varjan bashing thing...[/color]"

"[color=crimson]You see, I'm actually working for those guys. And while I do have a bit of privilege regarding... disposing some of them without consequence, I really don't wanna push my luck on that. Gotta look like an A-okay boss, you get what I'm saying?[/color]" The stranger rather casually revealed. "[color=crimson]So, uhh, if we can discuss alternative modes of payment, that'd be real swell. If you're looking for something like cash, then we can definitely go somewhere with that![/color]"

A moment of silence passed before a realization dawned on the stranger. "[color=crimson]...Aaaand you're part of the taskforce, aren't you?[/color]"

[hr]
[center][h3]Terauchi Temple[/h3][/center]

[center]~ [@AzureKnight] (HIN & ATS), [@Enkryption] (ALI & CRL), [@Rezod92] ~[/center]

[hider=Shopping Distraction (Collab w/ Enkryption)]As Carroll did more of the shop hunting, and Alice did all of the whining as the Demon Sword taunted her, they would serve as an odd source of amusement for the citizenry of the restored temple turned makeshift village. Likely, there was still some sense of dread, as Alice had, single-handedly, restored the besieged temple to not only its former glory, but its original splendor from the center to the corners.

Such power was terrifying anywhere, yet she'd barely done more than a cantrip in Wonderland.

Alice hoped to change that, however. After all, she wouldn't rule a people through fear and threat, as she wasn't that kind of Monarch. Her people would no not strife from leadership, but kindness of a just leader - something Wonderland lacked in spades.

Still...

"[color=808080][i]How serious are we taking this place,[/i][/color]" Carroll asks. "[color=808080][i]As far as I can remember, we just got our shit kicked in by my mother, and now we are here,[/i][/color]" she says, "[color=808080][i]Here being a crumbling, fledgling Kingdom with no sense of loyalty to their leadership and a divided citizenship of Humans and Mamono with equal hatred and fear of the others.[/i][/color]"

"[color=976f29]That's why they need someone like me to guide them, a Mad Hatter, the bridge between Humanity and Mamono,[/color]" Alice says, "[color=976f29]I can link them, unify them, because I am them, both at once.[/color]"

Alice would beam confidently, "[color=976f29]I will whip that Takeshi into a glorious leader worthy of being called King. Then, we'll move on. Just like we have done.[/color]"

Unfortunately for the duo, this temple refuge offered no store from which to purchase supplies. Their search, however, caught the attention of Revuel Arvida who approached them as soon as he could. “[color=cyan]Looking for a store to buy supplies? Well, you’re gonna have to liberate one from the Varjans in one of the bigger villages. Fortunately, we have something that could be just as good, if not better… I think.[/color]”

The former Warlock led Alice and Carroll to the emptier side of Terauchi Temple, basically the temple’s backyard. This area was empty of pagodas, but filled with peaceful ponds and small gardens. A great tree with leaves of gold sat in the middle of this area. At the base of this large plant, there appeared to be some sort of shrine full of offerings.

“[color=cyan]The taskforce’s reputation is growing, you know? Stories of your exploits have been reaching far, maybe even to the other regions.[/color]” Revuel said to Alice and Carroll as he led them to the great tree. “[color=cyan]Not everybody in Shizuyama trusts you, but those who do want to see you succeed.[/color]” Finally reaching the shrine at the great tree, Revuel gestured at the offerings. “[color=cyan]These are donations from the Shizuyamans whom the taskforce has saved or believed in you. All of these are yours for the taking.[/color]”

The offerings included supplies like food fit for long trips, raw materials for making or improving equipment and other useful provisions. Some were mementos and memorabilia, though, like necklaces, paper charms (with no magic detectable in them), small statue carvings and other collectibles.

“[color=cyan]I’ll let the other taskforce members know about this. Do let them know too, just in case I forget.[/color]” Revuel added.

Alice hummed, as she looked over the collection of provisions and paraphernalia; supplies, all rounds by their supporters. To get cause, the rations and medical supplies would be most useful, but, as she walked around the trinkets and the like, she could access their memories of the creator of it, or the one that purchased it for transfer, and could see the intention behind it.

"[color=976f29]No idea what's special about me,[/color]" Alice says, "[color=976f29]I don't think I've done anything...[/color]"

“[color=cyan]I don’t fully understand your story, but it seems you are known to Lord Takeshi and to the other taskforce members and have simply lost your memories. I’ve only just arrived so perhaps your previous self has been doing some work in service to this island.[/color]” Revuel replied. “[color=cyan]Regardless, all these offerings are for the taskforce as a whole. A taskforce that you are a part of.[/color]”

"[color=976f29]How terrifying, that thought... the idea of another me... another Alice... no longer existing... because I exist,[/color]" Alice says.

"[color=808080][i]Oi...[/i][/color]" Carroll says, elbowing Alice. "[color=808080][i]Let's get the stuff together, and then have an existential crisis.[/i][/color]"

Alice sighed, dramatically, "[color=976f29]Fiiinnneee~~[/color]"

As the Mad Hatter and Cursed Sword duo gathered what they needed, Revuel helped them sort through the offerings while offering commentary. “[color=cyan]Ayu briefly told me about this shrine. How it wasn’t here before the taskforce arrived. However, as the refugees arrived here fleeing from the Varjan invasion, the thankful villagers began giving Ayu tokens of gratitude for the taskforce. Eventually, there was so many that Ayu hastily built a shrine where people can put their offerings for the the taskforce.[/color]”

“[color=cyan]I doubt the lords of this land would appreciate their people giving monsters like you offerings for your deeds, but that is a problem for another day. I hope.[/color]” The spellcaster finished.

Alice nodded, "[color=976f29]Problem with those in charge for too long is that they lose sight of what matters. A kingdom, no matter the size, will fall, if the leadership and the citizenship is divided, and moreso, if the citizens are divided,[/color]" she says, "[color=976f29]Humans. Mamono. There is not a lot of difference between us. Beyond what lies on the surface...[/color]"

"[color=808080][i]C'mon,[/i][/color]" Carroll says, "[color=808080][i]I think that should be enough to set out on our expedition. The rest we can secure on-site and beyond.[/i][/color]"

Alice smirked. "[color=976f29]Indeed. Thank you,[/color]" she says, before collecting what they needed and moving to the next step of waiting at the gated entrance.[/hider]

Sitting atop the arched gate, the first taskforce member to greet [u]Alice[/u] and [u]Carroll[/u] was the infuriated [u]Kerry[/u]. The Hornet's mood was sour, likely from her venture with Takamori, but perhaps the sight of the intimately familiar Mad Hatter could lift her spirits.

The trio would have some time to themselves before the next party arrived. A whole group of Shizuyamans approached and despite their plain clothes, they did not appear to be mere villagers and peasants. They all had weapons on them, both Shizuyaman and Varjan, and walked with a regal pride befitting of warriors. The group was headed by Kikyo, who simply gave a neutral nod at the present taskforce members at the gate as a greeting before leading the group inside the temple grounds.

Following behind this group, however, was Takeshi who appeared to be closer with the [u]Hangai sisters[/u] than with his fellow humans.

[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]

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

[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]