[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/3YdqYf1.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/0zvnz6I.png[/img][/center] [sub][@PaulHaynek] [@The Irish Tree][/sub] Yagata Shipyard [hr] The swordsman watched as Lilliana let loose a stream of blades on the dock troops, letting out wails as they were drained of their chi. As he tried to tell Gringor from earlier, magic is a powerful force. Deciding that sabotaging their operation was enough for now they were about to make a retreat when -- Shizuka's thoughts were drowned completely out when a strong kick slammed into his face. That was the second time it happened while here on the mainland... He along with his fairy teammate where sent flying into a nearby warehouse; their flinging was stopped by a couple of crates they crashed into. Shizuka got back to his feet as quickly as he could to meet their attacker, which of course turned out to be the Fatal Pulse himself. The fact that both he and Lilliana completely lost track of him and fell for a sneak attack further proves his suspicions were correct. However, the ronin would immediately feel a strange sensation rattling in his body. Assaulted by the scent of smoke in ash, it seemed that the crate he crashed into contained the strange substance the soldiers were handling. Some type of strange drug, it seems that it's affects were beginning to take hold. Having already been in the process of gathering his chi for a counterattack, he would find his focus to be somewhat impaired. Trying his best to regain his senses, he began to implore breathing techniques in order to calm his nerves. Having been surrounded in the substance, however, it wouldn't be as effective. He needed to change the playing field. Another soldier appeared carrying a touch, which got quite the hostile reaction from the Fatal Pulse. It was clear that this odd powder needed to be kept away from heat sources, and the idiot just brought one right to it.... Luckily his companion was quick to react, channeling a magic circle she began to cast a spell of her own. Hopefully it was something that would knock back their opponent and turn the tides! Her spell of choice was...! A cow. While he wasn't in his most stable mind, even Shizuka was taken aback at the result of Lilliana's spell. Of all the things they may have needed at that moment in time, a cow was after even the last thing on his mind. He blinked for a bit, questioning if what he was witnessing was real or an effect of the drugs. Before he could ponder it further the fairy quickly carried him out of the warehouse as the bovine charged at their assailant. Having gotten further away, Shizuka could feel at least a bit of his senses stabilizing, though he was still feeling riled up and anxious. Trying at least something to help, he fired ice shots at the Fatal Pulse's feet. By immobilizing him it'll hopefully assist the cow in trampling him . Of course if their foe or anyone else had a counter he'd prepare for that as well. If anyone tried to shoot them out of the sky he'd use his mist technique to obscure their view with illusions and then counter with some more spells of his own. [color=0072bc]"Lilliana-san, ghh...I'll try to cover us as best I can. Just, try not to summon any more farm animals this time..."[/color] He managed to mutter out. [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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbfOVMI-pKw]🌀[/url][/center] [sub][@PaulHaynek] [@Restalaan][/sub] Outside the Inn [hr] Having been subdued and bound, Atsuha's lover planned on interrogating their prisoner back at the temple. Something she wouldn't mind assisting with if she were allowed to do so. But, the next scene that followed would permanently close the door to that opportunity. Unable to control her anger, Sorae immediately demanded answers from the woman as to who orchestrated her clan's massacre. As expected, their captive only gave cryptic statements with concerning implications for a response. This only sealed the woman's fate, as Sorae brought down her weapon and decapitated her. As her head rolled on ground in front of them blood squirted out of her neck. Hinami winced and turned her head away, Atsuha looked at Sorae with wide eyes and seemed at first she was going to yell at her. However, after hearing her statement she appeared to lost any words she may have had for her. Atsuha no longer felt that she was in any position to be lecturing Sorae. Skarsneek witnessed the aftermath of the scene, and after slapping Sorae on the rear and scolding her he guided the sisters out of the inn. Apparently not wanting them to soak themselves in the gruesome atmosphere any more than necessary. [color=7bcdc8]"Skras-kun! Wasn't that a bit much?"[/color] Hinami said. [color=9e0b0f]"Nee-chan, Sorae's pain is understandable. However, Skars-kun is correct in his scolding. We have allies, myself included, who could've done something to get more answers out of her. But now, our search for answers is back to square one. For now, it's best we head back at meet up with the others."[/color] Atsuha replied