[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] [b]Terauchi Temple[/b] [hr] [color=0072bc]"Humans...are odd creatures, Eula-san. We are often quite simple, yet very complex at the same time. All we can do is listen to the testimony of that young woman."[/color] He replied. The trek back to the temple was, while uneventful, rather bittersweet. On one hand, they had taken out a brigand force that likely would've continued committing acts of murder and theft. On the other, they had added in the revenge of one would indirectly caused the death of their own family. Shizuka could understand Eula's bewilderment, the situation would stir complex emotions in anyone. Upon their return, Shizuka noticed that the other taskforce members had also returned from their journeys. It seemed they were in high spirits for the most part, which did it's part in lifting his spirits. He also noticed some of the locals' reprehension to interact with them, being off-put by their conversations. It was to be expected, and he doubted they would be lifted anytime soon. The antics of the taskforce aside, he felt the tension in the chi of Gringor and Alice rising. He sighed to himself; it seems they still weren't getting along much. [color=0072bc]"Greetings. We've returned with some more prisoners, this time belonging to a local brigand force. They've of course been restrained, and we leave there fates in your hands."[/color] Shizuka said to the monks. He'd probably have to deal with the other two, but before he could his attention was diverted by a villager man. He apparently wanted both him and Eula to come with him. Deciding to acquiesce, the two were eventually led to a cemetery of sorts. He brought them before one of the graves, and began his explanation. It seemed that this one belonged to Saki, the young woman who made the request. She made the decision to atone for her actions by taking her own life; while she could now longer answer their questions, her actions alone confirmed their suspicions. Ayu words of there being internal issues within these lands rang again in his ears. [color=0072bc]"I...I see. Thank you for telling us."[/color] He said. He turned to Eula for a moment, unsure of what to say to her. He could only imagine what must've been going through her mind currently. Unfortunately, it seemed the other situation was escalating. [color=0072bc]"Eula-san, you'll have to excuse me. If you need someone to talk to, I'll make time later."[/color] He began walking away from the cemetery and back toward the rest of the taskforce. While walking, he eventually vanished from sight, leaving behind only a small wisp of dust. [sub][@Restalaan](GRI)[@Enkryption][/sub] As both mamono prepared to strike with the technique they had learned in their own ways, they would find that Shizuka had instantly appeared in between them. [color=0072bc]"Infighting among taskforce members will not be tolerated. If you've disputes, take it up with me."[/color] He said in a solemn tone. He looked at both of the fighters for a moment, noticed the little bit of blood that was dripping from the high orc. [color=0072bc]"Besides, neither of you look like you're in any condition to be fighting right now. Perhaps we could all talk this out in a more civilized manner?"[/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] [sub][@PaulHaynek][@Hammerman][@Restalaan](SKAR)[@Crowvette][@Nakushita][@Rezod92][/sub] [b]Terauchi Temple[/b] [hr] Atsuha happily gobbled up the morsel Skarsneek presented to her, giggling as he planted a kiss on rice ball just before. The goblin had voiced apparent interest in the phasing ability that Sorae displayed back on their mission. She sighed, knowing that her sister wasn't the best suited to explaining these types of details. [color=9e0b0f]"Saying that she becomes a ghost isn't the best way to describe it. It's more that she implores some method to make her body intangible. I know that come clans are able to implore various methods of sorcery to achieve supernatural feats, being that I'm from one myself. Though she initiated the technique with a stance and not using some sort of talisman like how I would. It's admittedly quite impres-"[/color] She cut her sentence short, taking note of the commotion along with Skarsneek. The conflict between the hatter and the high orc was brought to its head. [color=9e0b0f]"This hardly counts as dinner-side entertainment..."[/color] She groaned. She then witnessed Shizuka appear before both of them in a flash, seemingly to put an end to the conflict. [color=7bcdc8]"Hey Sis, Shizuka's finally back!"[/color] Hinami chirped. [color=9e0b0f]"Well, if it isn't mister stick-up-the-ass himself. You certainly have a knack for showing up at the most convenient time."[/color]