[center][h3]Shizuyama Wilderness[/h3][/center]
[center][b]A TIME TO HEAL[/b][/center]
[center]~ [@Xaltwind] (REL), [@The Irish Tree] (EUL), [@Rezod92] ~[/center]

The monk and Mika looked at each other in disbelief, but then the former slowly smiled and winked at the mother. "[color=fff79a]It appears I have been caught...[/color]" He started before turning around ominously. "[color=fff79a]You see, I am actually... an enemy mage![/color]" The monk turned around again with the revelation, his arms stretched out. "[color=fff79a]Sent to this unsuspecting village to test my newest, nefarious scheme![/color]"

Mika and her son gasped as the monk continued. "[color=fff79a]My new illness is quite diabolical! It is not for humans but for you, yokai! And it cannot be cured with normal means, no! In order to get better, victims must... drink the tears of their fellow yokai![/color]" The monk continued his rather performative revelation. "[color=fff79a]But you can do nothing, yokai! You three are in no mood to cry right now and one of you is even a mechanical being! You are doomed, nyehehehe![/color]"

The mother, confused at first, caught on and exclaimed. "[color=39b54a]By entering this village, you have infected yourselves! Yokai, you must bawl your eyes out to save yourselves![/color]"

The silliness of this evil scheme invited doubt, but it was up to the taskforce on how to continue forward.

[hr]
[center][h3]Kazenosuke's House[/h3][/center]
[center][b]KAZENOSUKE, DANCING BLADE[/b][/center]
[center]~ [@AzureKnight] (SHI), [@Crowvette], [@Nakushita] ~[/center]

[quote=Io]"[b][color=thistle]Shizuka and I are not married. Which is to say. I am free.[/color][/b]"[/quote]

"[color=indianred]Oh?[/color]" Kazenosuke raised an eyebrow, not minding [u]Io's[/u] close proximity as the Lich cast healing on him. "[color=indianred]Hmm, we can have a drink when we have free time and see where to go from there.[/color]" The dancing blade winked back.

[quote=Yuki Akamata][color=f7941d]“I’m not married to him as well, in fact I only recently met him as well as Io, also whatever your drinking, I think has burnt out any taste buds that you had”[/color][/quote]

Kazenosuke chuckled. "[color=indianred]Well, what can I say? I am but a humble, wandering swordsman and humble, wandering swordsmen don't get to choose their drinks.[/color]"

[quote=Shizuka Kannazuki][color=0072bc]"What say you, Dancing Blade, will you come with us to meet with Takeshi and the rest of the Taskforce?"[/color][/quote]

"[color=indianred]Sure, sure. I'll keep my end of the bargain.[/color]" Kazenosuke replied, rubbing the back of his head once [u]Io's[/u] spell was done. "[color=indianred]Been a long time since I've seen ol' Tak. Although, not exactly looking forward to talking with him about my absence in Sanjo Beach.[/color]" He sighed. "[color=indianred]Right. So, do we take off now? I don't exactly have much, and my house is ruined pretty recently, so I'm all ready to go.[/color]"

And with that, the mission to bring in Kazenosuke was done. The taskforce members could head back to Terauchi Temple or go somewhere else if they wish.

But suddenly, all three of the taskforce group caught the all too familiar signature energies of the Mad Hatter [u]Alice[/u] pass by somewhere near. It appeared that the tall mushroom monster was on her way on a mission. Knowing her, it might be wise for [u]Shizuka[/u] to follow the trail to keep [u]Alice[/u] from danger. Or rather, keep others from the dangers of [u]Alice[/u].

"[color=indianred]Hmm? Something the matter?[/color]"

[hr]
[center][h3]Fukami Port[/h3][/center]
[center][b]LOST AT SEA[/b][/center]
[center]~ [@Enkryption], [@The Irish Tree] (LIL) ~[/center]

[quote=Alice]"[color=6083ff][i]Moreover, who the hell wears that gaudy rainbow colored armor in the middle of the day in public on purpose without shame. You look like a tie-dye reject.[/i][/color]"[/quote]

[quote=Liliana][color=f49ac2][b]"Yeah! Tye-Die!"[/b][/color][/quote]

"How dare you? I poured blood, sweat and tears making this custom armor for myself. Someone else's to be honest, but it still a lot of them." The rainbow knight retorted as [u]Carroll[/u] and the Whimsy Blade continued to duel just nearby. "And I don't wanna hear that from a Queen that streaks naked in front of her subjects. And as for you, little Fairy... Nah, I got nothing. You're doing great so far, keep it up."

Amidst the clashing of the two sentient weapons, the rainbow knight continued with his hands on his hips. "Now then, what [i]exactly[/i] are you two monsters doing here?" He asked firmly. "On a quest? On a mission? Or just here to terrify the islanders? Give 'em reason to join up with those wacky Varjans?"

"Because if it's the first two, maybe I can help." The weird knight offered. "Y'know, as soon as those two over there are done fighting. Hold on, if they're both weapons, how are they gonna hurt each other...?"

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

[center]~ [@Hammerman], [@Xaltwind] (MUS) ~[/center]

[hider=Collab with Xaltwind]
[center][h2]Island Of Akamagaseki[/h2][/center]

[center][h3]Otomo Port[/h3][/center]

The ship Musubi was on had trouble finding a spot in the dock to land. The sunlight of midday made sure that one could clearly see that Otomo Port was filled with docked galleon warships fully armed with soldiers, monsters and men alike. Fortunately, but rather embarrassingly, one of the warships was moved out of the way to make way for Musubi's passenger ship. Upon disembarking, the Nurarihyon could see how prepared for war everyone in the port was. One could be mistake this humble fishing port for a military one. Perhaps it became one in the wake of the Varjan invasion of Shizuyama.

Musubi was with among other passengers and when they all out of the ship, they were greeted by none other than the white-furred Inari Lady of this island: Lady Kyouko. "[color=powderblue]Greetings everyone![/color]" She happily waved at the newcomers, a rather out-of-place sight in this military atmosphere. "[color=powderblue]I'll be honest, I'm afraid you all caught me in a pretty... inconvenient moment right now. However, if you are here to see the sights of Akamagaseki, rest assured that they are all open and are not... like this. Carriages are available to take you anywhere in this island.[/color]"

The other passengers jumped at the chance to speak with Lady Kyouko, the Lady of the island. The conversations were brief, though, as the Inari stressed that she was very busy with the activity in the port as evidence. Not that anyone was rude to island's Inari Lady. It was then Kyouko approached Musubi.

"[color=powderblue]Hello! It's been a while since I've seen those of your kind. This island doesn't get-- Hold on a second. Aren't you a member Lord Umitawa's court?[/color]" Kyouko squinted her eyes, recognizing Musubi.

The nurarihyon raised an eyebrow at the inari, after-which she raised a pointed, dainty index-finger over her own lips and made a soft, barely audible hushing noise. Perched on her bare shoulder, due to how she wore her low-cut kimono, a black crow-like bird - the size of your typical magpie - was sitting still and motionless, a pair of glowing blue eyes observing Kyouko curiously.

[color=violet]"Pleasure to meet you, my dear. I am indeed from Lord umitawa's domain."[/color] Musubi replied cordially, giving a slight bow to her monster-sibling. A slight smile was present on her lips. [color=violet]"I was dispatched here to... [i]Inquire[/i] about the situation on Shizuyama. As you can imagine, my lord does not enjoy the presence of foreign invaders in his neighbours' backyard... Nor do I imagine any of the other Zipangu lords do."[/color] She continued, eyes half-closed as she took a long drag from her lit pipe, exhaling a thin, lazy stream of white smoke.

[color=violet]"Curious, you have all these ships and soldiers ready... And [i][b]have[/b][/i] had them ready for a while now, yet there has been no movement to engage the black ones' ships. One wonders if the young lady might be stalling for some reason, hmm~ ? I understand you are quite busy, my dear, so I do not wish to take up your precious time, so I will not ask for any long-winded recollections or pencil-thin details. Merely the most significant points will do just fine."[/color] The nurarihyon finished.

It appeared she had no intention of validating Kyouko's initial claim of her belonging to the court of the ruling lord on Tatemori island, but she was rather forward about getting answers herself.

"[color=powderblue]Oh? Does Lord Umitawa aim to help me?[/color]" Lady Kyouko replied. "[color=powderblue]I welcome any aid that goes my way, but I hesitated in asking the other Zipanguese islands for military aid. Not only is this not their fight, but for every warrior of another isle who dies in Shizuyama is a warrior who can no longer be there to defend their own home if Shizuyama falls.[/color]" The Inari explained. "[color=powderblue]And asking to aid an island who hates them by principle is a very big request. Thus, I limit myself to my own forces and the taskforce I have in Shizuyama. All here on their own accord, of course. Anyone is free to leave at any time and for any reason.[/color]"

"[color=powderblue]My fleet stands ready, but I cannot loose them yet.[/color]" Lady Kyouko continued, looking to the warships at the dock. "[color=powderblue]They can take on any Varjan fleet of similar size, but the Varjan armada is not of similar size. Not only that, the enemy has surrounded and taken control of the major ports in Shizuyama. My ships can break through the blockade, but they might take time trying to take control of a port. Time that the Varjans will surely exploit.[/color]" She then turned back to Musubi. "[color=powderblue]My fleet cannot be defeated, not unless Varjo takes all of its armies and sens them here, but we will take heavy losses if I attempt to attack now. Casualties I am not willing to suffer. No, a suitable port must be liberated before I can make a move.[/color]"

"[color=powderblue]Which brings me to the taskforce I have in Shizuyama. The core team managed to get inside the island before the blockade, but any new members now must be teleported in. A... taxing activity, unfortunately.[/color]" The Inari sheepishly smiled. "[color=powderblue]They performed better than I expected, you know? They managed to save the son of the Island Lord in the doomed battle in Sanjo Beach. With him on board, getting the locals to accept yokai aid should be much, much easier. Hopefully.[/color]"

"[color=powderblue]Tell me, what is Lord Umitawa's stance on the matter?[/color]" Lady Kyouko asked Musubi. "[color=powderblue]You can be honest with me. I will hold no grudge even if he says good riddance to Shizuyama.[/color]"

Waiting for kyouko to finish her words, the nurarihyon said nor did anything aside from patiently wait and listen. Once the inari was done and asked her own question, Musubi looked t her side at the myriad vessels and soldiers, letting out another thin stream of smoke before speaking.

[color=violet]"Yes... We saw the battle on the beach, or should I call it a slaughter? We also saw Old Lord Oja get himself captured and hauled off by the foreigners. One would have thought such a prideful man, who values tradition so dearly, would have committed seppuku in order to protect his own name and honor..."[/color] The nurarihyon replied, revealing that she, and most likely the rest of Lord Umitawa's court, were well aware of what had transpired on Shizuyama... Though as to how... Magic, perhaps?

[color=violet]"Ah, but you were asking about aid, yes? You are quite right, my lord has no love for Shizuyama and he will not be sending any soldiers to aid. Our island initially considered to intercept the Varjan fleet as it was approaching, but the other members of the lord's court managed to sway him to wait and see. How fortunate we did not waste any ships or soldiers on engaging a threat that was never meant for us."[/color] Musubi relayed, now inspecting her own fingernails in a nonchalant way. Then, suddenly, her violet eyes locked with Kyouko's.

[color=violet]"However. Even if we are not friends of Shizuyama, we are far less inclined to the people of Varjo. While we can tolerate Shizuyama and its people, so long as they keep to their borders, we can co-exist as passive-aggressive neighbours. However, should the Varjan invasion take Shizuyama, there will be none of that. They are as wild and aggressive as wounded boars, with an appetite for power and control to match. Allowing them to take a single piece of Zipangu soil will only cause trouble for the rest of us."[/color] She elaborated. A neighbour you dislike but can tolerate is far less of an issue than an aggressive home-invader, after all.

[color=violet]"Thus, while my lord will not send warriors or ships to Shizuyama... I [i]might[/i] be able to do something for you myself, sweet girl."[/color] As she said this, the nurarihyon took another drag from her pipe, an amused smile on her face. [color=violet]"You spoke of a 'taskforce'... Hm, I believe we know of those too... The bundle of girls and that young swordsman, yes? What are you hoping they will accomplish?"[/color] She paused for a bit, then let out a puff of smoke. [color=violet]"You said that they would be relying on the little Oja-boy to gain favor with the locals... Are you perhaps trying to make stubborn old Shizuyama have a change of heart regarding us?"[/color] As she said this, a wry smile spread across Musubi's face.

"[color=powderblue]Lord Hideo Oja lead the only defense his island can muster, being there in the thick of the fighting. He has nothing to be ashamed of. I'm sure he wanted to die in that beach alongside his warriors.[/color]" Lady Kyouko stated. "[color=powderblue]But even if he did want to take his own life, the Varjans will not let him. As we have his son, the Varjans have him. No doubt, the invaders will attempt to convince Lord Hideo to surrender so that the rest of Shizuyama will no longer resist.[/color]"

"[color=powderblue]The taskforce...[/color]" Lady Kyouko addressed that point. "[color=powderblue]They were never supposed to do any fighting. I only recruited them as a reconnaissance team, to gather intelligence on what's going on about the continuous visits to Shizuyama by The Order represented by Varjan emissaries.[/color]" She regaled the events before the invasion. "[color=powderblue]I feared the worst, but I didn't want to make any rash decisions. And the worst has, indeed, come. Far earlier than I ever expected.[/color]"

"[color=powderblue]That's right, the Varjans have caught me unprepared.[/color]" Lady Kyouko closed her eyes and sighed. "[color=powderblue]The Varjan armada came and attacked just as the taskforce arrived. Again, it was extremely lucky that they snagged Takeshi Oja alive.[/color]"

"[color=powderblue]Now, the taskforce is there to, at least, stop Shizuyama from being completely overrun. They only need to hold out until I find a way to both break through the blockade and safely land my forces. If they manage to convince the locals to accept yokai aid, or even accept yokai fully, then that'll be a very nice bonus.[/color]" The Inari continued. "[color=powderblue]Also, if they can somehow take over a major port and hold it, then that'll be my prime opportunity to unleash my fleet.[/color]"

"[color=powderblue]Now then, Madam Musubi. What is this... probable thing you can do for me?[/color]"

At Kyouko's words and response, the nurarihyon's smile somewhat faded. It seemed the lady inari had not provided her with what she had wanted to hear. Or perhaps the monster from Tatemori was just playing games. She didn't respond to any of the matters regarding Shizuyama, the taskforce or the Oja. But when the final question came, she replied:

[color=violet]"Lord Umitawa may not be willing to send aid, but [i]I[/i] am not Lord Umitawa."[/color] She statef, obviously. [color=violet]"You say your taskforce was meant to gather information, and you wish for them to liberate one of Shizuyama's ports. How fortunate for you that I came to visit then, as I happen to be quite good at the former and know a thing or two about both land and sea-warfare."[/color] She said calmly. [color=violet]"Normally, this is the sort of task you have your retinue deal with... But alas, I seem to have not brought any retainers."[/color] She feigned a melancholic sigh as she placed her free hand on one cheek. [color=violet]"To ensure the safety of Tatemori, it seems my [i]only[/i] course of action is to lend you, my young fox, and your allies my help. After all..."[/color] She paused for dramatic effect, closing one eye and smiling cheekily now. [color=violet]"... I could not possibly leave such delicate matters in the hands of an Oja-boy still wet behind the ears. Call it a... Show of good will..."[/color] Musubi's words were very deliberate. It was rather obvious that her words, offer and decision right here did not in fact reflect or correspond to anything she'd likely discussed back on her home island.

In the end though, it was up to Kyouko to decide on whether she wanted the help of this neighbour or not. Though, before the inari could say anything, the nurarihyon did add a bit.

[color=violet]"Ah, yes. As for getting me onto Shizuyama, do not worry. I can provide you with some of my own energy, which should let you avoid getting all tuckered out. Or at least, less so.... Those scarab-girls in the desert lands really had some interesting tricks, huhu~"[/color]

Lady Kyouko's eyes widened in joy at Musubi lending her help to the cause. If the Inari had any suspicions to the Nurarihyon's ulterior motives, especially with the bird on Musubi's shoulder, she did not show it nor did she care for it. She was just glad that a known, reliable individual was going to go help Shizuyama on her own accord. "[color=powderblue]I... cannot express how elated I am, Madam Musubi.[/color]" Lady Kyouko bowed. "[color=powderblue]Know that you have my deepest gratitude and you will be well-rewarded if everything we're doing is successful.[/color]"

"[color=powderblue]And please, no need to share in the burden of the teleportation spell. You will need all the energy you have once your on the island. And besides, I already have a... benefactor helping me in that matter.[/color]" Lady Kyouko finished. "[color=powderblue]Now then, do you have any more questions? This is a one-way trip that'll last a while so tell me anything that needs to be said.[/color]"

At Kyouko's words, Musubi let out a soft, restrained but melodic chuckle.

[color=violet]"No need to get all teary-eyed, dear. I am, after all, doing this ultimately for my own home, not Shizuyama."[/color] She stated, affirming that there was no concern or real empathy for the plight of her besieged neighbours. [color=violet]If you do not wish for me to share in the ritual, then I shall respect your wishes. Although, did you not say earlier that anyone who volunteered was free to leave the cause if they so desired? But if this is, as you say, a one-way trip, how [i]exactly[/i] are they free to abandon the cause, hmm~?"[/color] Musubi continued, respecting Kyouko's decision to not have her partake in the teleportation ritual's cost.

Taking a drag from her kiseru again, she let out a set of three rings of smoke, then stretched her neck backwards a bit. As she did, the magpie-sized crow-creature on her shoulder let out a hoarse and quiet caw. Its eyes ceased their luminence and turned to be as black as the rest of the little bird. Then, without further ado, it flapped its little wings and took to the air, flying first straight up and then beginning to head towards the north-west.

[color=violet]"Well then, no use in us standing around I suppose. Let us get on with it, my young lady. I imagine you have plenty to do that aside from entertaining me, yes? Oh, but I probably should be asking who your troop answers to, aside from the yonug Oja-boy. I would not wish to arrive and inadvertentlys say the wrong thing to your appointed commander."[/color] The nurarihyon finished, a mischievous smirk on her face... She clearly didn't mean what she just said... Regardless, it did at least look like she was ready to get going, as her pipe was - somehow - no longer lit and she'd neatly tucked it away. ... In her cleavage.
[/hider]

"[color=powderblue]Oh, that would be Sir Shizuka Kannazuki. At least, he's the technical leader of the taskforce.[/color]" Lady Kyouko answered. "[color=powderblue]There's also Ayu who is my head spy on the island and assistant to the taskforce. She based on Terauchi Temple, where you will be teleported in.[/color]"

[u]Musubi[/u] was then led up a hill and into Lady Kyouko's estate. In the courtyard lay a wide stone platform with markings etched on it, a magic circle. A figure was also there obscured by robes and a hood, and the Nurarihyon could sense immense magical power coming from them. Lady Kyouko nodded at the figure who nodded back and [u]Musubi[/u] was placed in the middle of the platform.

Lady Kyouko and the figure stretched their hands out and began to cast the teleportation spell. [u]Musubi's[/u] sight was then engulfed with white light...

-

[hider=Collab with Hammerman]
Takeshi raised an eyebrow at Lunatea's offer, not even two sentences away from warning him against becoming too close to each other. He cupped the rabbit yokai's averted chin and moved them so that her gaze was onto him again. "You warn me that we might be seen as lovers, yet you suggest that we two head to the hot springs, take our clothes off and wash each other?" His stern eyes looked straight into Lunatea's. "It's all rather perplexing, really."

"Or perhaps this is your new way of seducing me, now that your panty-flashing isn't working that much anymore." Takeshi leaned closer to Lunatea's face. "You aim pretty high, you know? Trying to get the heir of an Island Lord as your husband."

BA-DUMP!

Lunatea's heart skipped a beat the moment his hand cupped her chin. This was the first time a man (that wasn't her father) got this close to her and she really didn't know how to react. A blush crept into her cheeks and she could scarcely say anything as he got closer to her and exposed her plan to seduce him.

"That's…. that's not true! I'm not seducing you because you're the heir of this island! I'm doing it because I like you! I think—I think you'll make a great husband! You're strong and chivalrous, a-and you're not bad-looking either!"

This was the first time she had ever been this honest. She was always the firm believer that the man should make the first move. As such, any seductions she did would always be more "accidental" in nature than intentional. Like flashing her panties.

But this was the first time she asked a man to take a bath with her. Now that she thought about it, she didn't know why she blurted that out in the first place!

Takeshi's eyes widened at Lunatea's confession. A small blush crept up the young Oja's cheeks, even he did not expect the rabbit yokai to be so blunt and honest about her feelings. He let go of Lunatea's chin and leaned back so he could pinch his forehead at this unexpected turn of events. "I suppose I am flattered that you think I am more than the heir of this island's Lord. I do try my best at that regard and I appreciate the words, even from a yokai." Takeshi tried his best not to think about the fact that of all the men Lunatea has met, it was him who earned those words from her.

"I'll be honest, you'd make a great wife too, Lunatea. You're beautiful, as well as capable. Although, the other yokai in the taskforce are also those two words, more or less." Takeshi would be lying if he didn't find the yokai in the taskforce attractive. Save for the Fairy but if she wasn't tiny, she'd definitely fit in. "But... I don't think we can work. And not because it's my duty to battle the yokai." He then sighed. "You look like you're a traveler, Lunatea. If we get together, you might not have the chance to get out much anymore. And the same is true the other way around, I can't travel willy-nilly when I have an island to lead."

That, and Takeshi still had feelings for... her. Although, she and him seem to be drifting apart for some time now, exacerbated by the Varjan invasion and the decisions he made so far. The young Oja wondered if she, herself, still had feelings for him despite everything. If she had them at all, that is.

"So, uhh, do you wanna head to the hot springs first?"

When Takeshi called Lunatea beautiful, the wererabbit blushed. Once again, it was the very first time she had ever heard such a word being uttered in her presence (that wasn't said by her mother or father). Her heart skipped a beat and she averted her gaze, not wanting to look him right in the eyes.

But then, when he continued by rejecting her advance, her excitement disappeared. Like a sinking ship, her rabbit ears lowered and lowered, until the tip almost covered her forehead. Looking down, with an all too visible sadness on her face, she replied, "That's… you're right… I am a traveler. I will have to move around for my research. And you… you're the lord of this island… you have to stay here for the rest of your life…"

She fell silent, looking down at her own two feet. She remained that way for a few seemingly long moments before she let out a sigh and 

She looked up, staring at him right in the eyes. "I understand. Your duty takes precedence above all else. I cannot possibly ask you to abandon this island. Nor can I stay here for the rest of my days. I have family in the outside world after all.

"The hot springs? I… think I'll pass. Sorry."

With those words, the wererabbit retreated, walking as fast as she could away from the young heir until she disappeared in a corner.
[/hider]

Takeshi did not follow [u]Lunatea[/u], his face a frown. Despite doing the right thing as a Shizuyaman, the young lord could not help but feel sorry for the rabbit yokai... and feel as if he made the wrong choice.

Upon turning the corner, [u]Lunatea[/u] immediately bumped into Ayu. "[color=red]Oh hi, Madam Lunatea! How are you?[/color]" The warm greeting immediately turned into shock upon seeing the forlorn face of the Wererabbit. "[color=red]Oh, Miss Lunatea. Is something wrong?[/color]" Ayu immediately inquired. "[color=red]You can tell me anything, okay? I'm here to help.[/color]"

As soon as she said that, however, the pagoda near them lit up in light. Someone, once more, had teleported in. Ayu sighed as she turned to [u]Lunatea[/u]. "[color=red]Listen, let's continue this after we greet the newcomer. That's a promise. Also come with me so you don't slip away and get my promise to go unfulfilled.[/color]"

When the white light faded from her sight, [u]Musubi[/u] found that she was in an empty chamber. The appearance of her surroundings made her realize that she was in the familiar interior of a typical Zipanguese pagoda; One side was filled with candles and statuettes while the other side was a set of sliding doors. One of them slid open to reveal a white-haired human woman and a rabbit monster.

"[color=red]Greetings! You must be here to join the taskforce.[/color]" Ayu happily greeted the newcomer Nurarihyon. "[color=red]I am Ayu and this is Lunatea, a taskforce member. Lord Takeshi Oja, the son of the Island Lord is also here somewhere. Welcome to Shizuyama... what's left of it anyway.[/color]"

[center]---
[@Restalaan] (GRI)[/center]

[quote=Gringor][color=f7941d]“Can teach, how to make me tough? So I can make axe and armor tougher too.”[/color][/quote]

"[color=orange]Ah, so you've met our Dragon Warriors and their Chi Shield technique.[/color]" Nobutada replied. "[color=orange]Despite the similarities, my ability and the Chi Shield are very different. I'd say, my ability is pretty unique to myself only. I know how it works, but to teach it entirely to somebody else. That I cannot do.[/color]"

"[color=orange]Fortunately, you wish to learn the Chi Shield and not the ability that I have.[/color]" The large monk continued. "[color=orange]I know how the technique works, but are you sure it's something that's worth for you to learn? The Chi Shield requires being calm and peaceful in the middle of battle. Not only that, one must resist the urge to attack for a continuous time in order for it to be effective. That means, you [i]must[/i] rely on your allies to fight for you while you distract the enemy.[/color]"

"[color=orange]And from what I've seen so far, you're not exactly that kind of yokai.[/color]"

[center]---
[@Restalaan] (SKA), [@AzureKnight] (HIN)[/center]

[quote=Skarsneek][color=ed145b]“I think we should probably wait until her sister gets back first, unless you need it done now...”[/color][/quote]

"[color=violet]You're right. We should probably wait for the sister.[/color]" Yurine replied before watching with amusement as [u]Skarsneek[/u] assumed a position where he would be able to body lock [u]Hinami[/u] should she awaken and thrash around again.

The old warrior sighed before bringing out a paper charm with some specific writing on it. "[color=violet]This! I meant this! Is the spider yokai using this to calm the undead down? If she is, what kind is she using?[/color]" Yurine scolded [u]Skarsneek[/u], right before [u]Hinami[/u] started stirring. Her voice still the eerie wail of her feral state.

Yurine then placed the charm she had on [u]Hinami's[/u] hat, hoping it would work. "[color=violet]This is a sealing charm to render the indestructible undead of old into a docile state. If it doesn't work, then get ready.[/color]" The old warrior warned as she waited for [u]Hinami's[/u] reaction to it.

[center]---
[@AzureKnight] (ATS)[/center]

As time passed with [u]Atsuha[/u] in the warm water, the steam of the hot springs began to grow pretty thick and obscured the immediate area. The Jorou-Gumo could feel her vitality restored and fatigue lifted. It was about high-time for her to get up when she heard some very faint footsteps approaching and a figure emerged from the steam mist.

It was Takeshi Oja, fully naked save for his fundoshi undergarment. He was yawning wide as he approached and was about to take off his last piece of clothing when his eyes, fortunately or unfortunately, opened just in time. "M-Miss Atsuha?!" He immediately recoiled, trying to cover his body with his arms. "I-I didn't know you were here!" The young lord panicked, averting his eyes from the bathing [u]Atsuha[/u].

"I-I'll leave at once! Sorry to disturb you!"

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[center]~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~[/center]

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

[center]~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~[/center]

[hider=Teacher And Student]
"Lord Takamori said that his traitorous daughter, Setsuna, is training Varjan archers in Ōmiya. I know this frightens him, even if he tries to hide it. If we don't find her and end this, there may be no stopping the archers, and no hope for Ōmiya Springs. We need to see Lord Takamori immediately."
-Takeshi Oja
[/hider]

[center]~~ SORAE TALES ~~[/center]

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

[center]~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~[/center]

[hider=Whispers In The Woods]
A villager woman remarked to the taskforce member as the latter passed by.

"You better watch out if you're passing Yabo Forest, yokai. It's haunted by angry spirits... Dead samurai, eager to spill blood."

"People go into the woods and never come out. Varjan and Shizuyaman alike! The bodies that turn up have all been killed by Shizuyaman blades..."
[/hider]

[hider=The Other Side Of Honor]
A peasant man eating barbecued meat on a stick was startled when the taskforce member approached. It appeared he has news.

"Yokai! You have to tell Lord Takeshi, there is another samurai noble who survived Sanjo Beach. His name is Lord Tonchiki. He's in his abode southeast of here. If you go see him, I'm sure he would join your cause."

"Err, maybe not. I guess you'll need Lord Takeshi himself to convince him."
[/hider]

[hider=Shizuyama's Freedom]
A villager sitting on some stone steps in the temple stood up when the taskforce member approached. "Yokai, I've heard of a small resistance group gathering in the Imahama Area. I believe they're headed by that shrine priestess that started a fight here not too long ago."

"They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not trained."
[/hider]

[center]~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~[/center]

[hider=The Heavenly Strike]
"Dealing with these students of the Heavenly Strike was more difficult than we thought. They have already thrown back two of the taskforce. However, the yokai fought them separately and at different times, so perhaps a more cooperative approach would be more fruitful."

-Takeshi Oja
[/hider]