Shizuka was certainly thankful that Takeshi was able to diffuse the situation before things got more intense, even being able to talk her out of taking her own unlife! After everyone else had settled in, dinner was served and the squad retired for the long day ahead. However, Shizuka was still weary; he had many questions that didn’t have answers…yet. All that was obvious was their paths would be long and treacherous. [hr] [center][h2]Onrai[/h2][/center] [center][h3]Regional Border[/h3][/center] [center][sub][@PaulHaynek][@Hammerman] [@Restalaan] [@Dark Cloud] [@WanderingDragon] [@FrogRFlowR] [@Noblebandit] [@Rune_Alchemist] [@Slypheed] [@Rezod92] [/sub] [/center] Taking lead from Takechi’s directions, Shizuka led the taskforce toward the Onrai region which layed deeper into the Shizuyama territory. The trip itself took roughly a day and a half, but it wasn't so bad though. The group got to take in the lush grasslands rustling gently in the morning breeze, also bearing witness to some of the fleeing villagers. It brought him, if only a little, relief that more people made it out alive. It was, however, fleeting. Reports of the Varjans taking control of several key areas spread as quickly as they did, and more troops were pouring in even now. He saw the anguish in Takeshi’s eyes at the news, which hardened his resolve to end this madness all the more. He took notice of Atsuha watching Hinami like a hawk, sensing that some sort of new Onmyōdō sorcery was placed on her. Atsuha had explained to the group earlier that she had placed a stronger spell on Hinami to keep her emotions in check, saying that the ofuda would no longer be needed. It had been replaced by an odd tattoo on her forehead. Shizuka had his doubts, however, given the circumstances he had secretly always felt that the original method was too ineffective. Of course, Shizuka despite being a spellcaster was no Onmyōji and since he felt that the sisters had been through enough as it is he left it alone for now. Atsuha, at least, would remain by her side this time if anything arose on the battlefield again. Takeshi stopped the group for a moment, detailed to them about how he had more allies who were to defend the beach with him but never actually showed. Saying they needed all the help they could get was beating a dead horse at this point, so he voted to have the force split for the second time to assist in finding them. Deciding it to be for the best, he allowed the other members to delegate which of Takeshi's allies they would seek out. There was one he went into particular detail, Kikyo was it? He went on about how she was very dear to him, and how he was willing to go find her himself if need be. Hearing that struck a chord with Shizuka, he thought of days long past. Along with a familiar heavy feeling in his heart. Some of the members already stated their chosen targets; it would appear that both Luna and Nyla would be traveling with Takeshi to find Kikyo, which made him feel a little better. [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/88dciJb.png?1[/img][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/0zvnz6I.png[/img][/center] [center][url=https://youtu.be/26MUv9nh-9A]🐉[/url][/center] [quote=@Hammerman]“I’ll go with Kikyo,” she declared. “She seems to be the most normal of the bunch. It’s better for a weakling like me to chase after such a person.”[/quote] [color=0072bc]”Luna-chan.”[/color] He started. [color=0072bc]”Victory isn’t gained through pure show of force. We each have a role to play here, and your talents are a huge part of that.”[/color] He thought that Lunatea’s choice of words were rather odd, although it was to be expected. [quote=@PaulHaynek] "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." [/quote] [color=0072bc]”I’ll take him to the temple. In fact, I’m hoping we can get some good information about the Varjan forces and their plans from this fellow.”[/color] He walked towards Nyla, preparing to take him. [color=0072bc]”Also, Takeshi-sama, was there any particular place that’d be good for everyone to meet up once we’ve accomplished our respective quests? Like the temple?”[/color] [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/cDfjYN0.png[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/0u0wcUo.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/NporBQG.png[/img][/center] [center][url=https://youtu.be/VmfH9vpp2aQ]🕸️[/url][/center] Atsuha heard Skarsneek call out the person he was going after, last night was interrupted so she supposed this would be a good time to pick back up their previous conversation. That was, of course, before a certain annoying dragon decided to act as a third wheel (or fourth, since she wouldn’t be letting Hinami out of her sight anytime soon). [color=9e0b0f]”I’ll be accompanying Skars-kun on his little excursion, and taking Hinami as well.”[/color] She announced to the other members. Hinami simply nodded in agreement and followed suit with her sister. She had been strangely silent since the trek here. [color=9e0b0f]”Last night you said you’d be more careful.”[/color] Atsuha said as she walked closer to the goblin. [color=9e0b0f]”But for now I’ll be the judge of that, someone has to be there to patch you up in case you decide to play daredevil again.” [/color] She was nearly in his face, gently wagging a finger in his face. [quote=@FrogRFlowR]"You're a... male?"[/quote] [color=9e0b0f]"Oh yes, trust sweetie, he's a male alright~"[/color] She hummed to Tomi. [color=9e0b0f]"Needless to say, I suggest you keep your distance."[/color] Her tone, whilst still soft, carried with it a bit of foreboding.