[hr]
[hider=A Long Night]
[center][h3]Unknown Forest[/h3][/center]

[center]~ [@Hammerman], [@AzureKnight] (ATS, HIN & SHI), [@Restalaan] (SKA & GRI), [@Dark Cloud], [@WanderingDragon], [@FrogRFlowR] (TMI & RKU), [@Noblebandit], [@Rune_Alchemist], [@Slypheed], [@Rezod92] ~[/center]

[quote=Wyndressa Chimera]"So, what's wit' dis place, anyways? Why all da isolation? Ye know ye'd have an easier time with those Varjan focks if ye' had friends. If ye' catch me drift?"[/quote]

"We do have friends, they're supposed to be fighting alongside us against you. But instead, they're here invading my home." Takeshi sarcastically quipped. "If you mean friends other than the Varjans and their Order masters, there are other islands that oppose yokai and who can come help us. However, the Varjan fleet has blockaded all routes to them. Not even our most elite shinobi could get past the barricade."

Then the Hornet kicked up a fuss about how there were male yokai in the group. Come to think of it, Takeshi realized that the small amount of yokai he did encounter in his life up to now had all been female. However, his teachers never mentioned that yokai were all female so everyone, including Takeshi, assumed that both sexes existed. Takeshi was about to give his opinion on the matter when [u]Shizuka[/u] sensed someone approaching and the other yokai followed suit, readying themselves for a fight.

[u]Roku[/u] had walked in the dead of night for a while when she began to see something, a light. More accurately, a campfire. At first, her mind went to the Varjans and she hid away in the trees nearby. However... it dawned on her that she was now some way from the beach and while the Varjan forces were immense, she doubted that they could assemble and set up camps this quickly that parties already made it this deep. No, this was something else. 

Upon closer inspection [u]Roku[/u] identified them as...Monsters?! She could see them with clarity that she herself did not understand. Whatever happened to her seemed to have sharpened her senses as well. She saw two with wings as well as some who looked more like fighter types and a bloated, grotesque monster with tentacles that was all smiles. Worst than that however, and [u]Roku's[/u] heart sank in her chest when she saw it, was the son of the Oja Clan, Takeshi, held prisoner in the camp. As a Shizuyaman warrior, [u]Roku[/u] was a retainer of Clan Oja and bound to protect her master. She knew he was a capable enough warrior in his own right and deduced that if she could provide an appropriate distraction, he may be able to escape...

Clutching the sword at her side, [u]Roku's[/u] mind was set. 

She rushed out of her hiding spot surprisingly fast and made her way to the camp without trying to hide her presence. When she judged she was close enough, [u]Roku[/u] called out to everyone within earshot. Her voice was stoic, unflinching and with no traces of fear;

[quote=Roku Yoshihara][color=bc8dbf]"Monsters! If any of you still have some form of honour, face me! Your kind is not welcomed on these shores and I, Yoshihara Roku, will see that your corruption is erased here and now!"[/color][/quote]

After de-escalating the situation with Takeshi, [u]Shizuka[/u] was supposed to go over to the two newcomers when he sensed the presence of a stranger to the campsite. Upon showing themselves, he immediately saw that it was not a Varjan pursuer but appeared to be an island native. Although, several striking features set her apart. Her garments were heavily damaged, covered with burn marks and a bit of blood her and there. Going even further, one could see her darken eyes and sickly pale skin. She instantly gave herself away as an undead, [u]Shizuka[/u] could tell just by her chi.

She was an Ochimusha. That, at least, was a monster that [u]Shizuka[/u] was familiar with. Warriors who were servants to nobles who died, but were brought back due to lingering regrets. But, this was Shizuyama, and yokai territory laid much further within the island. What was she doing here, why is she seeking combat? Not welcome here? Funny coming from someone who's a mamono themselves.

He noticed some of the other members stepping to his side, also wary of the scene unfolding. However, it's best they keep a low profile for right after what's happened tonight. Besides, he felt he alone would be more than enough to asset the matter. 

[quote=Shizuka Kannazuki][color=0072bc]"It's all right, I will address this matter. Just stay back for the time being."[/color][/quote]

When he thought about it for a moment, he saw what little was left of her armor was reminiscent of what the island defenders wore. Could it be?

[quote=Roku Yoshihara][color=0072bc]"Yoshihara Roku, my name is Kannazuki Shizuka. We mean no harm to this island, quite the contrary we're here to save it. We've saved the life of Takeshi Oja and indeed to aid him further. Please, be at ease."[/color][/quote]

A human? Furthermore he looked like a Shizuyama warrior. In looks, at the very least. Could he be telling the truth? For the most brief second, Roku lowered her guard...

...but her eyes quickly fell upon Takeshi Oja again. She knew her mission, and Roku's mind would not be waived. Ghostly flames appeared around her as her chi flared up. 

[color=a187be] "Ichimonji-Giri !"[/color] 

She drew her sword in a horizontal slash. A wave of fire came out of the sword and launched towards Shizuka; the violet flames looking like a fire sword whipping in his direction with great speed. 

[color=0072bc]"Huh?"[/color] 

Was all [u]Shizuka[/u] was able to get out before the next scene played before him. He took note of the speed with which [u]Roku[/u] moved as she shot her next attack toward him. A horizontal flame strike was fast approaching, would it find it's mark?

[color=0072bc][b]"Kirisame"[/b][/color]

Most probably wouldn't have realized that [u]Shizuka[/u] even drew his blade. He whirled his blade in his hand, creating a light blue energy that suddenly burst out from it. The hazy shockwave collided with [u]Roku's[/u] attack and the clash created a small mist that gathered in front of them a bit. It cleared after a few moments; [u]Roku[/u] would then see [u]Shizuka[/u] again with his blade back in its sheath.

[quote=Shizuka Kannazuki][color=0072bc]"Roku, there is no need for this. As I said, neither I nor anyone with me desires conflict with you. We are allies of Shizuyama."[/color][/quote] 

He then wiped back strains of his hair that were blown by the wind.

[quote=Shizuka Kannazuki][color=0072bc]"Besides, we are a bit winded from today's events and could use a rest. Why not join us for some supper? While she's rather peculiar at times, we have a really good cook."[/color][/quote] 

He said with a friendly smile. 

[u]Roku[/u] was good in Iaijutsu, but even her trained eye missed the moment when [u]Shizuka[/u] had drawn his sword. His abilities far surpassed her own which, [u]Roku[/u] got to thinking...her own? What she just did was something she shouldn't have been able to. It was like her mind glossed over her, it came naturally to her in that moment. Even now, realizing this, her mind was still in scrambles...not fully able to think. She was still so angry, for unknown reason. Having just now come back from the dead a few hours ago...one could expect [u]Roku's[/u] mind to be shattered and confused. If there was another reason she was drawn to this camp, to the dragon or to this human or even Takeshi, she was in no mental state to notice. 

[quote=Roku Yoshihara][color=a187be]"No...you're lying. There is no way a warrior such as yourself would be with Monsters...unless you've been corrupted."[/color][/quote] 

She said, after a few moments of silence. 

It made sense, how he protected them and how he could use such powerful moves. Her first and foremost objective remained the same, however. To allow Lord Oja an opportunity to flee.

[u]Shizuka[/u] could barely finish his sentence that [u]Roku[/u] was charging at him. She was quite fast and her attacks were powerful in their own rightys, although there was no doubt that [u]Shizuka[/u] - a travelled warrior trained in Teikoku Arashi – ryū and personally chosen by Lady Kyouko - was the superior swordsman. [u]Roku[/u] did not know this. 

As she got close to him and began to draw, [u]Roku's[/u] eyes lit up with the ghostly energy that surrounded her.

[b][color=a187be]"Morote-tsuki !"[/color][/b] 

She yelled as the sword came slashing at [u]Shizuka[/u]. Whether he blocked, deflected or dodged it, [u]Shizuka[/u] would realize the first hit was a bluff, a bait. [u]Roku[/u] was prepped for a second hit which was a thrust. Her sword lit up with energy as she thrusted it towards his heart. The next attack would be different from the one before, and quite possibly meant a lot of trouble. 

[u]Shizuka's[/u] smile quickly faded into a neutral expression as [u]Roku[/u] refuted both his claim and offer, instead opting to continue her offense. Apparently she took his strength as a side of him being corrupted by demonic energy. Odd, being a monster herself she should have been able to deduce that [u]Shizuka[/u] had no demonic energy in him. Perhaps she's not well versed in chi-reading; Although earlier he felt that some of [u]Nyla's[/u] essence still resided in him. But, that was beside the point. It was almost like [u]Roku[/u] wasn't aware of her own monstrous nature; if [u]Shizuka's[/u] hunch was right then she may have only recently revived. 

At any rate, it was time to put an end to this. 

[u]Shizuka's[/u] expression did not change, even when [u]Roku[/u] came within striking distance. As she exclaimed her technique, [u]Shizuka[/u] effortlessly phased out of the blade's attack path. However, it would appear that the first strike was a feint. [u]Roku[/u] prepared to thrust her blade directly at his heart while he was caught off guard. Or, so she thought. 

[color=0072bc][b]"Bofuga"[/b][/color]

This would be all [u]Roku[/u] heard as she promptly felt her blade along with her hands blasted with a powerful gust of wind. [u]Shizuka[/u] made sure not to use so much force that it would sent her flying, just her blade. Being shot back a little bit, [u]Roku[/u] would see that her opponent was holding his blade vertically above him with small ripples of wind still swirling around it. Her blade, still twirling in the air, would then fall a few feet behind her head first into the ground. In an instant, [u]Shizuka's[/u] attack had extinguished the flames [u]Roku[/u] had generated and completely disarmed her. 

He then held his blade so it was just at her throat, but didn't touch the skin. 

[quote=Shizuka Kannazuki][color=0072bc]"I said that's enough. Continuing any further is pointless. A thrusting attack won't work unless it's faster than a certain man's Gatotsu technique."[/color][/quote]

It would appear that the battle had been decided, but [u]Shizuka[/u] did not sheath his weapon. He couldn't be sure of what [u]Roku[/u] might try to do in this situation. He wanted her to concede, as he feared that further conflict may attract the attention of any possible Varjan stragglers. 

As all this was going on, it seemed that Takeshi himself was getting riled up and appeared to be stepping forward...

"Stop, Kannazuki-san!" When [u]Shizuka[/u] was at the verge of victory, Takeshi placed himself in-between the two belligerents. "You too, Roku."

When they were fighting, the young Oja had to take a few moments to remember the name 'Yoshihara Roku'. At first, Takeshi thought this was yet another yokai having entered Shizuyama. But then she started attacking, and gave her name. It was then that Takeshi finally remembered, she was one of the samurai with them in the beach. How was she resurrected as a yokai so easily and in such short time? Well, that didn't matter. Right now, Roku was alive - albeit undead - and as a retainer of the Oja Clan, Takeshi was felt he was obligated to look after her.

Takeshi turned around to face [u]Roku[/u] and assumed a friendly face and a goofy smile. His true face when not under stressful circumstances, a face that many knew, probably including [u]Roku[/u] herself. "I-I think there's a huge misunderstanding here, Roku." The young Oja gulped, unsure of how he would explain things. "These yokai... they, uhh, saved me actually. We were defeated in the beach and I... almost died. I would have died, if it weren't for them." He tried to explain as best he could. "So... I actually owe my life to them. I admit, I don't know what we should do about that but..."

At the sound of Takeshi's voice, Roku immediately turned to him and bowed as if she had not been fighting a mere second before. Before he could even continue she attempted to speak; 

[quote=Roku Yoshihara][color=a187be]"B-but my lord! These are monsters...how can we..."[/color][/quote]

[u]Roku[/u] stood back up to look at Takeshi directly and inspect his young lordship. He indeed seemed fine, mostly. Upon closer inspection even, it seemed like he had been... drinking? Now and only now, as anger seemed to withdraw, Roku actually took in the rest of the scene. This camp didn't look like a war camp or a monstrous den... instead, the monsters seemed to be kind of...lax.

"A-Anyway, I'm glad you are alive... Sorta." Takeshi looked at [u]Roku[/u] from top to bottom. She was definitely a yokai now. "Umm, do you... do you realize that you're a yokai now? An Ochimusha, if I remember correctly."

[quote=Roku Yoshihara][color=a187be]"What? It's...impossible. I was on the beach, too, my lord! We...we were fighting, but my group was separated. We tried to regroup when we heard a sound followed by a great explosion and...fire..."[/color][/quote]

She said, worry in her voice as she took a look at her hands and arms. Both hands were soon on her forehead, it seemed she was thinking out loud and trying to remember what exactly happened was straining her.

Takeshi placed comforting hands on [u]Roku's[/u] shoulders once she started recalling out loud her memories of the Varjan landings on Sanjo. The area was probably overrun by now, and Castle Oja would be the invaders' next target. It should be an easy task for them, considering his father summoned everything the island had to offer to Sanjo Beach and left their castle undefended. Of course, the logic was that if they could not defend the beach, then there was no way to defend Castle Oja.

[quote=Roku Yoshihara][color=a187be]"My lord Oja! If I am as you say, then you have to slay me! I shouldn't be back, I should be dead with the others - my existence is shameful to my family, and to Shizuyama!"[/color][/quote]

[u]Roku[/u] said stepping up to Takeshi and knelt down. Pleading her case, she grabbed his hand and put it on his sword at his side. So close to her lordship, at his complete mercy, [u]Roku[/u] did not realize the changes that were taking place inside immediately.

"Whoa, whoa! I just said I was glad you were alive and you want me to slay you?"

But [u]Roku[/u] was right, there was only one path for those who were changed into a yokai in Shizuyama: The peace of death... but that only happened, like, half the time. Takeshi was well aware of the other unofficial, unsanctioned path: permanent exile. Like what happened to Kikyo's clan, some people of Shizuyama were too loved or respected to be put to death. So they were simply sent away, never to return. His father never approved of this, but he made no actions to put a stop to this.

He wondered if [u]Roku[/u] knew about this, but now's not the time to think about her fate.

Takeshi gently removed [u]Roku's[/u] hands from him but made no attempt to put distance. "I should be dead in that beach too, Roku. But we're not, and so is my father." He revealed to his undead samurai. "If we can rescue him, then all is not lost. I'm sure he'll think of a way to take back our island and..." He glanced at the yokai taskforce watching them. "...Maybe think of what we should do about them."

"So live for now, Roku. Think of taking back Shizuyama before anything else, okay? I'll need you."

To have Takeshi mention that he wanted her to remain alive and that he needed her was like a slap in the face. Roku had been selfish in her desire to die - her lord was standing right there before her yet she suggested to die - to flee. The Ochimusha Mamono stood back up, took a step back and bowed to her lord again. 

[quote=Roku Yoshihara][color=a187be]"If your lordship believe that I can still be of assistance despite my curse, then I will give myself body and soul to you and your cause, lord Oja. Allow me to serve you once again as your loyal retainer."[/color][/quote]

Traces of doubt and weakness were gone from her eyes as she rose from her bow. Turning around to Shizuka and the...hornet lady? Roku bowed once more. 

[quote=Roku Yoshihara][color=a187be]"Please excuse me my outburst I...I was not myself. I do not know why such aggressivity came onto me. If you forgive me, I would join your group as Lord Takeshi's servant."[/color][/quote]

As Roku began walking towards her sword which was a few feet away, her cheeks blushed without her realizing. Takeshi-dono said he [i]Needed [/i]her...

After calming down the situation and letting the resurrected samurai settle and introduce herself, Takeshi looked at the taskforce's camp. Most of them were yokai, his and Shizuyama's sworn enemies for hundreds of years. He should be fighting them, not enjoying a night with them. But even if he could kill them, it would have been wrong. They saved his life, after all, and to repay them with death would never sit right with him. So what should he do then? Do the unthinkable and join forces with them?

Takeshi sighed from this dilemma. What would his father do? Wait, that was it. His father was much wiser than him, he would know what to do. All Takeshi needed to do is get his father back, preferably without the yokai's help. He was already indebted to them, if they saved his father too then Shizuyama will be even deeper in the yokai's influence. Besides, he needed to atone for his failure to aid his father in Sanjo Beach.

No, wait. He didn't even know where they held him. Does this... taskforce know? He doubted it. Even if they did, the Varjans probably have moved him somewhere else and he'll probably have to spend effort and time just finding him. And no doubt, he would be heavily guarded and he himself was still recovering. From all angles, Takeshi knew there was no freeing his father right now.

With a sigh deeper than the abyss, Takeshi returned to the group but said nothing. His heart was heavy, for not only could he not come to his father's aid immediately but he also had to join these yokai as well if he wanted to make any headway against the invading Varjans. There was another sigh, deeper and longer.
[/hider]
[hr]

[center][h1]Act 1: Will Of The Oja[/h1][/center]
[center][h2]Onrai[/h2][/center]
[center][h3]Regional Border[/h3][/center]

[center]~ [@Hammerman], [@AzureKnight] (ATS, HIN & SHI), [@Restalaan] (SKA & GRI), [@Dark Cloud], [@WanderingDragon], [@FrogRFlowR] (TMI & RKU), [@Noblebandit], [@Rune_Alchemist], [@Slypheed], [@Rezod92] ~[/center]

It took the taskforce a day and a half to reach the Onrai region, taking occasional breaks here and there. [u]Shizuka[/u] was leading the taskforce towards Terauchi Temple, where Kyouko's few human spies on the island were based and where the taskforce could use as a base of operations. Takeshi was not amused, although not surprised either, that one of their sacred temples was actually a front for the yokai.

The trip was mostly uneventful, granting the group an opportunity to admire the wide scenery of the region's plentiful grasslands under the light of the morning sun. The stoned and bricked roads of Saikoten soon gave way to the dirt paths of Onrai. The moment was fleeting, for they all knew that the Varjan invaders will be all over this place very soon.

The taskforce encountered no souls save for the occasional passing or fleeing villagers. Those who did not know of the invasion were informed and advised to seek shelter immediately while those who were already running had grim news: The Varjans were rapidly expanding eastward to Ginirokaze from their landings in Saikoten. Not only that, but the Varjan fleet was quickly encircling Shizuyama. It was obvious they planned landings on every edge of the island and to cut off any outside aid.

The news made Takeshi's heart heavier than it has ever been in his life. But now, he had the ability to act. And he WILL act. But whether he will regret acting or not...

"Yokai." He called to attention the entire taskforce. "We'll need more than us if we are to rescue my father. There were warriors, friends, that I didn't see with us during the battle on the beach. They may still be alive and, if they are being smart which I'm sure they are, they'll be hiding here in Onrai." He explained. "We'll need to comb the region for their whereabouts, and recruit them to our mission."

"There's just a... problem. You are all yokai so at best, they won't listen to you and at worst, they'll try to kill you." Takeshi closed his eyes and cupped his chin for a moment before exclaiming with a profound idea. "Ah, I know! Tell them that I sent you and that I couldn't come because I was still dressed up as a miko. They'll know what that means and should be all ears... I hope."

[hider=Nobutada, Unwavering Will]
"There's a monastery east of here called Fung Temple.

There's a monk there named Nobutada. He's one of the most sturdiest people I know, able to weather blows that could shatter boulders. When my father called for the monks of Fung Temple, I didn't see Nobutada among them. If he's still alive, he'll be in the monastery and he can lend us his aid."
[/hider]

[hider=Sorae, Gentle Protector]
"Sorae's skill with the naginata is fearsome and second to none. She and her clan was summoned to Sanjo Beach, but never appeared. We should head to their estate in the west and find out what happened to them and, if possible, recruit them to rescue my father."
[/hider]

[hider=Takamori, Blessed Sight]
"Takamori is a warrior whose eyes allow him to predict his opponent's next moves. An ability we could have used in Sanjo Beach if he showed up... but maybe it was good that he didn't or else we might have lost him too.

He has an archery dojo to the southwest. We can start looking for him there. We'll certainly need his unique ability."
[/hider]

[hider=Kageho, Innocent Shadow]
"Kageho is a shinobi who was supposed to attempt to sneak through the Varjan blockade alongside others. The last wave of shinobi that we could send. I... ordered them not to go anymore, behind my father's back, since it would have been a waste and the Varjans were upon us. It was too late to call for reinforcements from the other islands.

Still, I expected her to show up in Sanjo Beach with the other shinobi. But they didn't. Anyway, their hideout should be around here somewhere. Try looking for any suspicious clearings in the forests around here. We can use their help."
[/hider]

[hider=Kazenosuke, Dancing Blade]
"Kazenosuke could deflect any attack with his spinning blade, and deliver slashes faster than the eye could see. I have no idea why he couldn't make it to Sanjo Beach. I know he's a ronin, but he still should have heeded my father.

Well, his house is near Terauchi Temple. Not very near, but just follow the river near the temple and we'll find his home and then we can ask for his help."
[/hider]

[hider=Yurine, Death Keeper]
"Yurine has taken care of Clan Oja for as long as I can remember. Despite being a servant, I know she can swing her masakari axe pretty hard. I've little idea of her past but I know it involves tending cemeteries.

She should be in Castle Oja but my father sent her to Onrai to begin enacting some way to protect the graves from being desecrated by the invaders. I know of a famous cemetery south of Terauchi Temple. We can begin looking for her there and she'll surely help us."
[/hider]

[hider=Kikyo, Ever Faithful]
"My childhood friend Kikyo was on an anti-yokai mission before all of this. I... was kinda glad she couldn't be on the beach and hoped that maybe she'll find a way to escape and live a full life. But I know she would never do that.

If I'm not mistaken, she was already heading for Port Wadatsumi in the southeast a day before the landings. We should find her before she does anything... drastic."
[/hider]

"I, myself, will be looking for Kikyo. She's the last of the exiled Kinkakuji Clan." Takeshi finished. "And... she's someone special to me. I'd go alone, but I suppose any of you can tag along."

"Oh and, what do we do about the prisoner?" Takeshi asked about Kasseros. "I know we have him bound tightly but he'll be a liability if we take him on our searches. Someone should take him to Terauchi Temple and imprison him properly there."