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

[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]

[sub][@PaulHaynek][@Dark Cloud][/sub]

Arriving at the temple with Valeriya and Sam, along with having Kasseros in tow, Shizuka was greeted with the sight of refugees and injured fighters that contrasted the golden leafed trees that loomed over. He recognized some of the fighters from the beach a few nights ago. [i][color=0072bc]Good, they actually took my advice. Glad they made it out.[/color][/i] he thought to himself. Upon stepping into the camp, they were met by the spy Ayu. Shizuka recalled Kyouko mentioning her in the report, she was the leader of her spies her on the island. She gave off a clear sense of urgently and her speech matched it. She confirmed that some of the survivors at the camp were indeed the defenders from Sanjo Beach, however, she was interrupted before she could go any further. 

The shrine maiden he had spoken to earlier had noticed he arrived. More unfortunately, she also noticed that he had two mamono with him as well. [i][color=0072bc]Well...This was bound to happen eventually.[/color][/i] He thought. At this point, it couldn't be helped. Still, this situation could take an even more worse turn depending on what Shizuka says or doesn't say. 

[color=0072bc]"These yōkai are here to aid you in taking back the island from these invaders, as am I."[/color] He began, taking note of the other warriors drawing closer to the scene. [color=0072bc]"I'm well aware of your land's relationship with mamono, but right now the only threat to your island are the Varjans. You should know that it was these very same monsters that risked there lives in order save the people of Shizuyama."[/color]

[color=0072bc]"I am allying with these mamono, because of aforementioned reasons. So, what will you do? Will you allow us to save the lives of your people, or will you instead point your blades at those who would aid you?"[/color]

[hr]

[center][h3]Tokinomiya Estate[/h3][/center]

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

[sub][@Restalaan][@FrogRFlowR][/sub]

Atsuha was a bit relived that Skarsneek seemed content with her and Hinami's reassurance, though she did still sense a bit of concern coming from him. Atsuha's new spell was working fine to quell her sister's more monstrous alter ego, but she still wasn't sure how it would truly effect her mental state. She was, however, confident that she could quell her and avoid harm to her allies and any innocents so long as she was near Hinami.

The Jorōgumo chucked as Skarsneek blew his tongue out at the high orc, she wondered why they hated each other so much. Perhaps due to some cultural differences that she simply wasn't privy to. Perhaps she could ask him later, when death doesn't lie around every corner. 

The walk to the Tokinomiya Estate was rather pleasurable, Atsuha and even Hinami enjoyed the beautiful landscape. The elder sister hoped that the trek would further help calm her sibling's mind. Although, she could help but be distracted by Skarksneek's cheerful disposition, who was ahead of the party happily skipping along. Of course, the little dragon Tomi was also slugging with them as well. Atsuha had to admit that at first, she didn't like the idea of her coming along. It didn't bother her at this point, as it seemed Tomi had more interest in making Shizuka's life harder than making moves on the goblin. Which was a constant source of entertainment for her. 

Their happy little walk was soon cut short as they neared the plateau of the estate. The scent of blood and weapons was thick in the air, and upon drawing closer to the estate corpses lined the area. Atsuha quickly sensed Hinami's chi contorting at the sight. 

[color=7bcdc8]"Sister..."[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]"It's alright Hinami, stay close!"[/color] Atsuha quickly soothe her sister apprehension. 

Upon inspected the bodies, the armor damage and wounds suggested that it was native weapons that cause this. But, how could that be? Were the people of Shizuyama fight amongst each other, in the middle of an invasion? None of this made sense. 

Before she could ponder further, a hostile made themselves known. They started by striking at Tomi with a kick, she really wished that girl would pay more attention to their surroundings. Then she leaped behind Hinami with surprising grace and held a naginata to her neck. Hinami looked at her attacker but didn't move, her temperament neutral. Atsuha's, on the other hand, was beginning to boil a bit. 

[color=9e0b0f]"Traitors?"[/color] The woman had confirmed her suspicions. [color=9e0b0f]"Look, whatever happened here, know that we come in peace. However, that may change if you don't get a damn thing away from my sister. Kindly remove your weapon from her and we can talk like adults, or I can break it in half and shove it someplace I don't think you'd like."[/color]

[color=7bcdc8]"Skars-kun, Nee-san, there's no need for this. We came here to aid these people, not to fight them!"[/color] Hinami quickly interjected. [color=7bcdc8]"You must be Sorae-san. As Skars-kun stated, we are here on Takeshi-sama's request and wish to aid in your fight against the invaders."[/color]