[center][h3]Varjan War Camp[/h3][/center] [center][b]The Code Of Shizuyama[/b][/center] [center]~ [@Hammerman], [@FrogRFlowR] (RKU), [@Rune_Alchemist] ~[/center] --- [hider=Little something for Hammerman] [quote=Lunatea Vern Farnsworth]“It’s okay if you want to see my panties. Unlike some, I’m not shy about showing off my body. My mother caught my father by constantly flashing her underwear to him. I intend to find my husband the same way, especially since she said my butt is cute and all. Do you find my butt cute? I have yet to ask enough males to affirm my mother’s opinion to be a fact.”[/quote] "I'm not surprised. Such are the ways and wiles of yokai." Takeshi replied immediately. "And yes, I did find your buttocks cute. But they stopped being cute at around the third time you showed it off. Now it's just a nuisance, like an annoying fly buzzing and irritating me in every possible way." Takeshi pulled no punches. It was strangely cathartic for him too, to finally say something to the yokai other than pleas for help. Well, sure, he had to lie that [u]Lunatea's[/u] behind stopped being cute, but it still got annoying. [/hider] --- Takeshi was pleasantly surprised when the yokai with him, [u]Roku[/u] included, had all decided to let him take care of the war camp alone as he wanted. He expected them to protest, but he was glad they didn't. The young Oja was relieved, that was one dilemma off his mind. He made his way to the war camp, hiding behind natural covers and the tall grasses and avoiding the sights of the posted guards. Taking them head on might be possible, but the safer way was taking them all out silently. Right, even if he was found eventually, hopefully he would have already eliminated half the camp and the Varjans would be in more manageable numbers. Takeshi slipped past the walls through a large gap on the palisades. Taking out a Brigand guard who was on his lonesome with a stab on the neck, the young Oja then moved on to a Varjan Warrior inspecting some weapons displayed on a rack. Takeshi rammed his sword into an exposed area on the Varjan's armor, but the invader did not fall immediately. He screamed in pain as he flailed about, bringing him and Takeshi towards the weapon racks and crashing unto them. Swords and axes and halberds clanged upon hitting the ground, alerting the entire war camp. Everyone dropped whatever they were doing to investigate the noise and they found Takeshi red-handed, finishing off the Varjan Warrior with a slash on the neck. That could have gone better, Takeshi thought. There were maybe a dozen or so Varjans invaders facing him, most of whom were unarmored or fur-clad Brigands and only a few were fully-armored Warriors. So long as he was careful, Takeshi believed he could take them all on. His grip on his sword tightened, it was still going to be a hard fight. The Varjans came at him and Takeshi did his best to fight them off. He managed to fight off and wound the first attackers, but these Varjans knew how to use their numbers. Some quickly circled around to try and hit the young Oja from behind. Takeshi's defense was soon breached and a spear managed to pierce his shoulder. He took down the spearman by hurling a kunai's at the latter's neck, taking a life. Pulling out the spear, it was dawning to Takeshi that he might have bitten off more than he could chew. It was then that [u]Lunatea[/u] took attention of Takeshi when she kicked down a Varjan from the air and started disrupting the Varjan formation with her wind magic. [u]Roku[/u] followed behind, her sword deflecting any attack directed at her and retaliating with a fatal counterattack. As the Varjans reeled from the sudden appearance of the monsters, a quickly expanding [u]Nyla[/u] appeared on the other side of the war camp. Coming to the false conclusion that they were surrounded, by monsters no less, most of the Varjan troops lost their nerves and began to scatter. They were not numerous enough to take on monsters, nor were they prepared to fight such creatures. Seeing there was no way to get past [u]Nyla's[/u] slimy mass, the Varjans instead tried to get past [u]Lunatea[/u] and [u]Roku[/u]. Although if they didn't need to fight, they didn't. They would run past the monsters. But a powerful presence made itself known by dispelling [u]Lunatea's[/u] wind magic and saving that one particular Varjan lifted into the air. The powerful winds were redirected towards the rabbit monster and the Ochimusha, blowing them away towards [u]Nyla's[/u] side and briefly stunning them. "[color=0072bc]Stand and fight, you cowards! Come back here![/color]" A gruff male voice attempted to rally the Varjans, coming from [url=https://i.pinimg.com/736x/9f/37/b9/9f37b933b1d45dc6365b9321161ac51e.jpg]an imposing caster fully armored in blue-colored plate with gold outlines and emblems. He wore a long, mage skirt and some other sorcerer accessories while wielding an arcane staff[/url]. The Varjan Warlock, Senusret of The Scarce Legion, was annoyed that he was assigned the minor task of constructing a war camp to guard one road amongst many of this blasted island. He envied the Warlocks who had the more prestigious tasks like taking over forts and establishing Varjan presence there along with the Master Warlocks and the Princes. Well, at least there was no one to boss him around here. He paid no attention to the commotion outside at first, believing it to be an accident as was oft the case. But when the screaming and the winds started, Senusret immediately left his tent to find the war camp in disarray and his forces routing. He narrowed his eyes at the monsters and quickly went to work, disrupting the rabbit girl's magic. Warlock Senusret was the monsters' final foe, the few Varjans who stayed behind being handled by Takeshi who was powering through his injured shoulder. [hr] [center][h3]Takamori's Dojo[/h3][/center] [center][b]Takamori, Blessed Sight[/b][/center] [center]~ [@Rezod92] ~[/center] [quote=Kerry Maros][color=fff79a]"And before you ask how I know your name, I'm here on behalf of Takeshi Oja. He wanted to come and see you personally, but he couldn't. Something about still being dressed up as a miko? Anyway, as much as I want to do some hubby-hunting, now is not a good time for that so why don't you just put the bow and arrow down, hop off the roof and get over here so we can talk this out. Maybe tell me what happened to your dojo?"[/color][/quote] Takamori's eyes widened. "[color=yellow]How did you...?[/color]" He then shook his head. "[color=yellow]For you to know that, the young master must still be alive and have told you that willingly.[/color]" The samurai then lowered his bow. "[color=yellow]I do not know why the young master would trust a yokai, much less send one in his stead, but I shall believe in his judgment... for now.[/color]" Takamori then slid down the roof and landed on the ground with grace expected of a samurai. "[color=yellow]Tell me everything you know, yokai. How you know Takeshi Oja and how you got him out of Sanjo Beach. The Varjan invasion force, at least the main bulk of it, was landing there. Takeshi survived, but did others? What about his father? Lord Hideo Oja?[/color]" He shot [u]Kerry[/u] a lot of questions. "[color=yellow]Don't tell me we actually won and repelled the Varjans.[/color]" "[color=yellow]As for what happened here... Well, Varjans happened.[/color]" Takamori started. "[color=yellow]I was packing up to join the battle in Sanjo Beach when out of nowhere, a band of those bloody Varjans assaulted my home.[/color]" Taking a look at the ruined dojo, Takamori continued. "[color=yellow]I hid my daughter under the floorboards and led the Varjans away from here before picking them off one by one. When I came back... she's nowhere to be found, and the corpses of the Varjans I killed here were also gone.[/color]" "[color=yellow]They've taken her, yokai. And I intend to find her.[/color]" Takamori approached [u]Kerry[/u] as he finished. But then added something after a sigh. "[color=yellow]...I cannot join Lord Oja until I do.[/color]" [hr] [center][h3]Tokinomiya Estate[/h3][/center] [center][b]Sorae, Gentle Heart[/b][/center] [center]~ [@AzureKnight] (ATS & HIN), [@Restalaan] (SKA), [@FrogRFlowR] (TMI) ~[/center] [quote=Skarsneek][color=ed145b]"Takeshi sent us since he couldn't come, and he's still dressed as a miko. So step away from her, [i]now[/i]."[/color][/quote] [quote=Atsuha Hangai][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][/quote] [quote=Hinami Hangai][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][/quote] [quote=Tomi Gōrudo][color=fff200]"Can't we just drop our weapons, have a talk and [i]finally[/i] go have a nap?"[/color][/quote] Unintimidated by [u]Tomi's[/u] fiery tantrum on one of the buildings, Sorae glared daggers at [u]Tomi[/u]. "[color=mediumslateblue]...Don't push your luck, Dragon.[/color]" Sorae, however, heard the taskforce's earlier words and let out a deep sigh. She spun her naginata and got its blade away from [u]Hinami's[/u] neck only to smack the Jiangshi on the back with the weapon's shaft, making the undead monster stumble towards her companions. She twirled her naginata again before planting it on the ground, holding it in a relaxed manner. "[color=mediumslateblue]...So, the young lord's alive. Although, I doubt he remains uncompromised considering he's willing to send yokai to do his bidding and trust them with his secrets.[/color]" Sorae began. "[color=mediumslateblue]But he's alive, and that's what matters for now. Do you know happened in Sanjo Beach? Takeshi-sama managed to survive, but what of the others? Did anyone else survive? What of his father? Tell me everything.[/color]" "[color=mediumslateblue]Clan Tokinomiya, my family, was supposed to join the defense of the beach. But then, assassins came to our estate two nights ago. The battle was fierce, but we were outnumbered in the end.[/color]" Sorae paused, her eyes becoming wet. Very wet. "[color=mediumslateblue]I was the only survivor, as far as I know. My father, my mother, all our servants and retainers... my dear sister. They're all gone, Clan Tokinomiya... is dead.[/color]" "[color=mediumslateblue]And as the last of my clan, I intend to avenge my family.[/color]" The woman then relaxed further and chuckled. "[color=mediumslateblue]Although, I should thank you really. I was waiting for the traitors to send more troops to finish me off but after your friend's roar there, I think they'll be thinking twice. Everyone here knows a Dragon's bellow when they hear one.[/color]" Sorae then motioned at the taskforce to follow her. "[color=mediumslateblue]Come, let's go to my still-intact room. Tell me what Lord Oja wants while your little kiddie Dragon over here takes her afternoon nap.[/color]" [hr] [center][h3]Fung Temple[/h3][/center] [center][b]Nobutada, Unwavering Will[/b][/center] [center]~ [@Restalaan] (GRI) ~[/center] [quote=Gringor][color=f7941d]"Come, let's fight these Varjan's to the death."[/color][/quote] "[color=orange]What the-? Who are you?[/color]" Nobutada was glad to be free of his chains, but he immediately noticed the weapon [u]Gringor[/u] wielded and the chi he emitted. "[color=orange]You're a... you're a yokai?[/color]" Multiple horns then blew, it seemed a lot of the Varjans in the area saw [u]Gringor[/u] make the bold rescue of the warrior monk. "[color=orange]We have to get to the other monks before the invaders do anything to them. Come![/color]" Nobutada told the male High Orc. The warrior monk made his way to the pagoda, bowling over any Varjan that tried to stop him. Weapons swung at him broke upon contact. With his body alone, he smashed open the doors to the temple. Within the sacred structure was a shrine to a saintly statue surrounded by candles, as well as a squad of Varjan Brigand guards who were swiftly dispatched by both Nobutada and [u]Gringor[/u]. "[color=orange]The other monks are held under the pagoda, yokai. Can I trust you not to move from this position and eliminate any Varjan that attempts to get past you?[/color]" Nobutada asked of [u]Gringor[/u]. "[color=orange]I have to get my boomstick then we can try to repel the invaders from this holy place.[/color]" [u]Gringor[/u] then watched Nobutada exit the building where multiple arrows were shot at him, only for the projectiles to shatter upon hitting him. But as soon as he left, three Varjans arrived to challenge the High Orc. Two of whom were standard Varjan Warriors wielding a shield and axe while the third one appeared different. His armor was slicker and he had a half-skirt behind his waist, a halberd in one hand. This guy must be one of those renowned Varjan Elites. [hr] [center][h3]Terauchi Temple[/h3][/center] [center][b]Rude Awakening[/b][/center] [center]~ [@AzureKnight] (SHI) ~[/center] [quote=Shizuka Kannazuki][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][/quote] "[color=fff79a]...I've heard those 'reasons' before, Kannazuki-san.[/color]" The miko replied, her enraged and disappointed look at [u]Shizuka[/u] betraying her ultimate answer. "[color=fff79a]Let me guess, once the yokai help us, Shizuyama should 'see them in a new light' or 'let them stay in the island for a while, they've earned it'. I am no stranger to the ways of the yokai, Kannazuki-san. I see through their lies and deceit... just as I should've seen through yours.[/color]" "[color=red]Please, miko-sama! Our reasons to help are genuine![/color]" Ayu made her feeble attempt in dissuading a fight. "[color=red]The island's being invaded, we mustn't fight with one another![/color]" "[color=fff79a]It [i]is[/i] being invaded.[/color]" The miko agreed as she drew her sword, prompting Ayu to do the same. "[color=fff79a]And not just by Varjans...[/color]" The miko gripped her blade, only to suddenly throw an ofuda that radiated magic at [u]Shizuka[/u]. Fortunately, Ayu sliced it in mid-air, stopping the spell, before charging into the opposing force. With her in action, one would notice how large her blade was. A strange weapon for espionage, but it certainly helped here where Ayu clashed with melee-specialized samurai. The priestesses threw magical talismans at Samael and Valeriya who responded with some magics of their own. The civilians around the temple took shelter within the pagodas and the surrounding buildings once the fighting broke out. Still, they all opened their windows to watch the showdown unfold. The miko facing [u]Shizuka[/u] grabbed five more ofuda and threw them to the ground, they didn't hit the stone pavement but instead started circling around her by her feet. They moved alongside her, and the miko charged at [u]Shizuka[/u] with her sword raised high in the air.