[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/3YdqYf1.png[/img][/center] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/0zvnz6I.png[/img][/center] [center][b]Kazenosuke, Dancing Blade[/b][/center] [sub][@PaulHaynek][@Crowvette][@Nakushita][/sub] [b]Kazenosuke's House[/b] [hr] [center][url=https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxRHwKlP7milNZja-RhZvN78ojKuQ4bTNA]A Deadly Dance[/url][/center] As Shizuka charged with Yuki at his back, Io let loose her stream of ice upon the Dancing Blade wielder. Kazenosuke did not back down as Shizuka unleashed his afterimage technique, seemingly confident that he could parry a multi-directional attack. However, he was forced to block Io's magical blast using his sheath. It did indeed block the technique, but it shattered upon him dropping it, no longer able to make use of it. This, in turn, left Kazenosuke open to the vagrant's attack. To little to late did he attempt to meet the offense; Shizuka's three simultaneous slashes hit their mark. With blood dripping from his side, Kazenosuke could do little but stumble back to the side of his abode. Holding his sword in one hand and his side with the other, his back was against the wall as he raised his blade once again. Proclaiming that he would still continue the bout, his eyes held a fleeting determination as he pointed his blade at the trio. [color=0072bc]"Kazenosuke-san, you show a willingness to be cut down, in a fight were nothing need be on the line?"[/color] Shizuka said, shaking his head with a tone of disappointment. [color=0072bc]"How long must we continue this until someone keels over? There is no need to drag this contest out any longer, admit defeat Dancing Blade."[/color] As Shizuka attempted to convince his fellow swordsman to surrender, he immediately turned to Yuki, who began charging a large amount of mana. As it swelled inside of her, her horns began to glow and emit a lightning-like energy. The chi began to flow from her horns down into her elongated claws. With thunder crackling in the air around them, Yuki made a charge at the wounded Kazenosuke before Shizuka could even console her. Dammit, she was being too reckless! Powerful opponents like him were the most dangerous when their backs were against the wall. [color=0072bc]"Yuki-chan, wait! Don't go off halfcocked!"[/color] He exclaimed. Instead of hoping, perhaps in vain, that Yuki would heed his warning - he opted to offer aid in case she received a painful counter for her trouble. Using his godlike speed, he would jump in front of a blow meant for Yuki, if Kazenosuke had one planned. He would have an afterimage take the hit, then he's real self would get her out of the way. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that though... [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][b]Yurine the Death Keeper[/b][/center] [sub][@PaulHaynek][@Restalaan][@Enkryption][@The Irish Tree][@Hammerman][/sub] [b]Terauchi Temple[/b] [hr] [color=9e0b0f]"It is as Yurine-san says, Ayu."[/color] Atsuha responded. [color=9e0b0f]"Thankfully our comrades were able to quell her rage and we were able to subdue her."[/color] Hearing Yurine's suggestion, she was about to answer when she noticed Skars and Gringor arguing amongst each other for a brief moment. Sighing, she stepped between them to quell the conflict. [color=9e0b0f]"Gods above, do you [b]ever[/b] stop arguing."[/color] She groaned, turning to Gringor. [color=9e0b0f]"Gringor, was it? Funny, don't think we get to speak very often to one another. At any rate, you have my gratitude in helping to save my sister from herself. Desipte what some may say, high orcs can't be all bad."[/color] She mused to the male mamono. Watching him walk off further inside the temple she turned back to her lover. [color=9e0b0f]"I...suppose that would be a good idea. A lot's happened today, and I'm still a bit winded from that technique that brutish warrior landed on me."[/color] She said, making sure she still wasn't bleeding from her forehead. [color=9e0b0f]"Also, she thankfully appears to be a peace right now."[/color] She looked at her little sister, who was still resting in Skarsneek's arms. [color=9e0b0f]"Yurine-san, I do believe that we all could use a breather after today's events. It's best we tend to Hinami after tending to ourselves first."[/color] She responded to the gravekeeper. [color=9e0b0f]"You know? I don't think I've ever tried out the hot springs here, I think I'll do just that."[/color] She smiled at Skarsneek. [color=9e0b0f]"I'm sure I would enjoy it much more if you were with me, but I unfortunately must ask you to look after Hinami for a while if you don't mind."[/color] She said. Beginning to make for the springs, she would surprise the goblin with a sudden tight hug that lifted him off the ground. [color=9e0b0f]"Thank you, my beloved."[/color] She said, planting a kiss on his cheek. At that point, she made her way off to the hot spring to replenish her stamina and hopefully her spirits as well. Arrived in front of the springs, Atsuha carefully removed her white kimono. Neatly folding it, she gently placed on the ground before the pool. She'd have to remember to clean it later. She then skittered into the spring, her legs began to be submerged in the water. Since she was taller that most people, Atsuha tried to get to the center of the spring where she thought it deepest. Crouching down, she was able to have her spider body completely submerged in the pool. and only a part of her human half was visible. Part of the tree-like plant on her back stuck out, which left some sakura petals floating on the surface. As she soaked in the steam and water, mainly thoughts weighed on the spider's mind. She began to slump more into the pool, and as she did a couple of tears began to run down her cheeks. [color=9e0b0f]"Hinami, what are we even doing here...?"[/color] She said to herself.