[center][h1]ISLAND OF SHIZUYAMA[/h1]
[h2]Sanjo Sortie[/h2][/center]

[center][sub][@PaulHaynek][@FrogRFlowR][@Hammerman][@Restalaan][@Dark Cloud][@WanderingDragon][@Noblebandit][@Rune_Alchemist][/sub][/center]

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[center][url=https://youtu.be/26MUv9nh-9A]🐉[/url][/center]

[color=0054a6]“It seems wherever I go, the flames of war are always on the brim.”[/color] 

These words Shizuka said to himself, as he gazed upon the numerous Varjan ships that lined the Sanjo Port. He was concerned about what the large fleet of Varjo troops sailing toward the island meant, and it seemed his worst fears had come to pass. Countless soldiers were lined up on both sides, the ships loaded with armaments and the hand-made towers that lined the port were all prepped for attack. The situation had deteriorated so that the Shizuyama army conscripted the local shrine maidens for their services, which made him all the more grim. Shizuka had heard that the Shizuyama army was strong, fearsome even, but so were the Varjans - who had them vastly outnumbered. Shizuka placed a hand to face the other members of the taskforce so as to stay them for a moment. He wanted to analyze the situation for a bi- 

The swordsman’s thoughts were swiftly cut off by a large explosion, as it seemed the battle had begun, and he immediately spat out an audible swear. 

Several Varjan ships caught aflame and began to sink in the harbor. Seems the Shizuyama warrior had laid a trap for them beforehand, very clever he had to admit. Not even a moment after the maidens from the high towers let loose a flurry of enchanted arrows that fell down to the battlefield like rainfall. As expected of Zipangunese warriors, despite being outnumbered, they had rode their horses into the fray and crashed into the Varjo troopers who were able to make their way onto the beach. The Varjans countered the arrow strikes and magical artillery with boulders flung from catapults, [color=0054a6][i]How crude[/i][/color] He thought. The sound of war cries, clashing steel, and bodies hitting the ground were ones that the former assassin was all too familiar with. 

He took note of the small Varjan squadron that was able to break off from the fighting by using an opening made by the islanders’ defenses being stretched out. They began making their way to the town below. Senseless conflict was one thing, but involving innocent civilians was unforgivable! 

Shizuka turned to the taskforce, with an expression on his face they’ve only seen for the first time. No longer were they looking at a quiet and collected passerby, they now looked upon a seasoned warrior who had seen countless battles. 

[color=0054a6]“The battle has begun and we now taken action. However, given the situation, the force will be split into two groups. One will stay here and aid the island defenders against the Varjan army, the other will intercept the squadron heading towards the village and prevent them from harming any of the innocents.”[/color] He looked over everyone, having then made his decision. However, he was distracted for a moment by Tomi’s words. Before he could respond, the dragon girl flew from the cliff they were on and made a bee dive for the battlefield. She blew a stream of flames at the enemy soldiers, burning some and sending more flying as she made a large crater after landing. With a boisterous battle cry, she was already in the fray.  

The others would see an anger vein appear on the side of his head for a moment, his eye twitching slightly. [color=0054a6]“Tomi…what the hell was that…?”[/color] He spat. However, he’d be mad about that later, and he was going to send her down there anyway. He turned his attention back to the rest of the taskforce. 

[color=0054a6]“Wyndressa, Lunatea, Samael, Skarsneek, Hinami,  and Cambiel. You’ll be intercepting the Varjan squad heading towards the village. Defend them at all costs, and buy the villagers time to escape. Wyndressa, you’re on point!”[/color] He said as he pointed in the direction of Sanjo Town. 

[color=0054a6]“Gringor, Atsuha, Nyla, and I guess Tomi, you’re all on me! We storm the battlefield and aid the Shizuyama defenders. To everyone, watch each other's backs and work as a team to the best of your abilities. I know we’ve all just met and some of you are used to only working alone, but cooperation is key for this operation! I, and Kyōko-sama, believe in you. She chose me and you all for a reason. So let’s not let her down, eh?”[/color] 

He sensed Atsuha’s apprehension when he stated they’d be on separate teams. But, this was to ensure both groups had an even number of people on it. It couldn’t be helped.

He then drew his sword from its sheath with a single swift motion, and it began to glow with a deep blue aura. They would begin to feel a powerful chi tempered through battle time and time again. He turned his body to the edge of the cliff, but he turned his head back toward the group for a moment.[color=0054a6] “You all have your orders. Take care of yourselves and may the powers that be guide you to victory!”[/color] With that, he jumped off the cliff and began sprinting down the rockface, hopefully the others would follow right behind him. He moved with such grace and precision, he appeared to be ethereal. Barely a second later he was on the ground. However, before he and the others made they’re way to the fray, he had to take care of something real quick.

Whether she was aware of it or not, Tomi would find Shizuka had appeared right beside her almost instantly. His serious warrior expression broke into an angry, albeit very comical, one for a brief moment. Dozing off despite his words, showing up on the boat here 30 minutes later, and using one of the shipmen as a landing cushion was one thing. He thought that poor man hadg gotten a concussion! But this was a battlefield, a place where life and death teetered on but a tightrope, and not waiting for instruction often meant the later would claim you. Not to mention this was the second time she ignored his words…

[color=0054a6]“Tomi. When this battle has been resolved, you and I are going to have a little chat about how you’ve conducted yourself these past few days… But for now, just fall in line with us and continue to tear through the enemy troops. In addition to myself, Gringor, Atsuha, and Nyla will be with you. Like I told the others, teamwork is key here, so if you decide to take heed to anything I have to say at least let it be that...”[/color]

With that, he left her side as instantly as he appeared. She and others with him would notice foot soldiers suddenly dropping like flies, their flailing and yelps being accompanied by the sound of striking thunder and searing winds laced with lightning bolts. They would also notice the air around his vicinity suddenly dropping several degrees…

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[center][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbfOVMI-pKw]🌀[/url][/center]

Atsuha’s face lit up after he mentioned that Hinami and her would be on separate teams. On the job, they do all assignments together. Not just because Atsuha’s a protective big sister, but because of Hinami’s ‘condition’. 

[color=9e0b0f]“Shizuka-san, please wait a mo-”[/color] Before she could even finish her sentence, he was already at the bottom of the cliff. Realizing the situation they were in she quickly turned to her sister, who had already walked up behind her. [color=7bcdc8]“Whelp sis, looks like we’re gonna be on separate teams. Don’t worry, I’ll chop up any baddies that get near those villagers! You be careful out there, you hear?”[/color] Hinami said with a cheerful tone and a cute wave. 

[color=9e0b0f]“Me?!”[/color] She retorted in bewilderment. She saw that the others were quickly scrambling and again regained herself. Without any other options, she hastily made her way to Lunatea before she left. 

She reached into a pocket on her upper garments and had revealed it to be a seal of sorts. [color=9e0b0f]“Lunatea, I beg you, I need a favor. While on your mission with my sister, please ensure to the others that the seal you see Hinami wearing on her head is not touched or damaged in any way! If something happens and the seal is either taken off or completely destroyed, put it back on immediately or put this replacement on her head. For the sake of the mission and her well being this has to be done!”[/color] 

After placing the seal in her hand, Atsuha quickly made her way down the cliff alongside the others. Her spider half roared a menacing cry as she prepared a multitude of various attack spells. She also had buffing and a bit of healing magic for her allies if things went south.

Meanwhile, Hinami turned to her team and materialized a jagged straight sword with runic markings on it, clear flames sizzled from it for a moment after she summoned it. [color=7bcdc8]“Alright, team, let’s get to work!”[/color]