[center][h3]Kishi Grasslands[/h3][/center]

[center][b]Kikyo, Ever Faithful[/b][/center]
[center]~ [@Hammerman] ~[/center]

[quote=Lunatea Vern Farnsworth]“My name is Lunatea Vern Farnsworth. As you might suspect, I am not native to this island. I came from the outside world under the invitation of Lady Kyouko, to help you and your people in your fight against the Varjans. So please, just because I am a youkai, or a monster—the term our people use on the outside—do not consider me your enemy. For I am your ally. And Takeshi-san can vouch for me on that matter.”[/quote]

Kikyo narrowed her eyes at [u]Lunatea's[/u] introduction, but Takeshi was quick to follow-up. "They also saved me from Sanjo Beach, where the Varjans landed. I would've died there if it weren't for them." He said. "Listen, Kikyo. My father is still alive too, but he has been captured. We need to work together with the yokai to save him. With him back, I'm sure we can find a way to beat back the Varjan invasion."

The Oja retainer turned to her master in disbelief. "[color=lavender]Takeshi-sama! You can't be serious![/color]" Kikyo almost yelled. "[color=lavender]To work together with the yokai... would be to insult our island and all those who came before us. To spit on the traditions that held our island for centuries. Please Takeshi, you must reconsider.[/color]"

Takeshi closed his eyes and stood his ground. "Kikyo, we cannot do this alone. Back then, our demise was sealed. But now, there is hope. We can save our island. Throw back the Varjans." The young Oja placed his hands on Kikyo's arms. "I know I'm breaking many of our taboos. But trust me, Kikyo. We'll get through this. Please?"

Kikyo was indecisive at first, but then closed her eyes and nodded in resignation. "[color=lavender]I... I trust you, my lord. I shall follow you.[/color]" And with that, even the archers hiding in the trees lowered their weapons.

Takeshi laughed in relief. "Thank you, Kikyo."

"[color=lavender]But I'll be keeping an eye on you, rabbit yokai. And don't think I don't notice you flitting your skirt to seduce us.[/color]"

Kikyo Kinkakuji has been recruited successfully. Takeshi had let [u]Lunatea[/u] decide what to do next. They could go to Terauchi Temple to rendezvous with everyone or go somewhere else.

[hr]
[center][h3]Unknown Inn[/h3][/center]

[center][b]Sorae, Gentle Heart[/b][/center]
[center]~ [@AzureKnight] (ATS & HIN), [@Restalaan] (SKA) ~[/center]

The taskforce sprung their ambush! And the people in the inn were completely taken by surprise! [u]Skarsneek[/u] managed to take down one of the men conversing and making the others back away, startled.

"[color=007236]What the hell?! Yokai?![/color]" The woman yelled. She was fair-skinned and had her black hair tied into a ponytail. She had a green kimono on and was unarmed, unlike the men who pulled out their swords. "[color=007236]Everyone, we've got yokai! But there's only three of them! Let's waste 'em![/color]" The woman barked as she retreated into the inn.

More men in warrior robes and some bits of armor emerged from the inn with blades and spears. There were about six of them when the taskforce noticed two of the inn's windows open. Archers appeared on each of them, already aiming arrows at the yokai.

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

[center]~ [@AzureKnight] (SHI), [@Rezod92], [@Crowvette], [@Restalaan] (GRI) ~[/center]

[u]Gringor[/u] and Nobutada reached Terauchi Temple without further incident. Although upon getting there, it appeared that the temple itself went through an incident. Whatever it was, they seemed to have missed all of it and only witnessed [u]Io[/u] heal [u]Shizuka[/u] upon their arrival.

There were signs of fighting in the temple grounds, burn marks on the stone paths and soils. Nobutada knew a small battle took place but upon seeing the multitude of yokai within Terauchi Temple, he winced. He wondered if Takeshi had really thrown his lot with yokai to defend Shizuyama. Well, there was only one way to find out. "[color=orange]Looks like we've missed plenty here. But first, may I ask: Where is the young Lord Oja? I was told he lives.[/color]"

"[color=red]Ah, ah! Well... Takeshi-sama isn't here yet. Err, probably off looking for other warriors such as yourself to help us defend Shizuyama.[/color]" Ayu was the one who answered the monk. "[color=red]B-But we're glad you're here Nobutada-sama! And not, you know, attacked us despite being invaded by Varjans.[/color]"

Nobutada raised an eyebrow. "[color=orange]Is that what happened? Did Shizuyaman warriors attack you?[/color]"

"[color=red]Err, yes.[/color]" Ayu replied honestly. "[color=red]B-But we didn't do anything to provoke them. They just saw the yokai and became immediately hostile.[/color]" That was mostly correct but Ayu did not know that [u]Shizuka's[/u] white lies may have aggravated them. "[color=red]We tried to reason with them, but to no avail.[/color]"

Nobutada exhaled with exhaustion. "[color=orange]...I shall go to the temple to meditate. Just... let me know when the young Lord Oja arrives.[/color]"

-

As the monk removed himself from attention, the Shizuyama refugees began to emerge from their buildings. They all looked apprehensive at the taskforce and especially their yokai members. Fortunately, Ayu was there to explain. "[color=red]Everyone, listen to me! I know that not only some of us are yokai but we also just battled warriors who were your sworn defenders, but please believe us that we are here to help. We were always here to help, only if you'll let us.[/color]"

The Shizuyama villagers whispered amongst each other but made no direct reply to Ayu's speech. After a few moments of deliberation, they dispersed and returned to their own little corners in the temple grounds.

Ayu let out a tired sigh and turned to the taskforce. "[color=red]Well, I take it that they don't completely trust us but at least they trust us enough not to freak out at us.[/color]" She let out another sigh before continuing. "[color=red]It'll take some time for them to come around. Although, I believe we can help that process. Why don't you all take a look around and see if there's anything you can do for some of the villagers. I'm sure some of them are already on board with us.[/color]"

"[color=red]Has Takeshi-sama given you any things you need to do? You can also do those.[/color]" Ayu pointed out. "[color=red]Or I suppose you can take a break for now. I mean, I heard you were all from the battle in Sanjo Beach.[/color]"

-

[center]~~ MAIN TALES ~~[/center]

[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."

-Takeshi Oja
[/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."

-Takeshi Oja
[/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."

-Takeshi Oja
[/hider]

[center]~~ SIDE TALES ~~[/center]

[hider=The Heavenly Strike]
A villager woman with long, indigo hair has something to say to a taskforce member.

"Have you heard of the 'Heavenly Strike' technique? Many people claim it is simply a myth, but the musician Katsuhiro insists that it's real. Speaking of whom, I believe he is around here somewhere.

If it's as powerful as the story claims, let's hope you never face the technique in battle."

[color=fff200]Caution: This is a long tale.[/color]
[/hider]

[hider=A Bridge Too Far]
A villager man puts down his drink and approached the taskforce member.

"Yokai, the Varjans have taken the bridge leading to Terauchi Pass, the road that connects to here. Many people travel that bridge, especially now. Please, you have to do something."
[/hider]

[hider=The Cost Of Iron]
A troubled woman stared at the ground listlessly, but her eyes widened upon seeing the taskforce member.

"I saw a terrible battle near Kuta Farmstead, yokai. Bandits and Varjans killing each other. I probably shouldn't worry about scum tearing each other apart, but their fighting might put someone in danger.

Please, can you take a look?"
[/hider]

[hider=Fatal Pulse: Shipping and Handling]
A panicking man ran up to the taskforce member.

"Yokai, please hear me out. While I was on my way here, I had to hide from a patrol of Varjans. One of them was a strange black-clad warrior who stood out from all of them. I overheard him talking about 'very helpful substances' and how they can be used against our people.

I think they were going to the Yagata Shipyard west of here. And the Varjans called the warrior, 'Fatal Pulse'."
[/hider]