[center][h2]Akamagaseki[/h2]
[h3]Otomo Village[/h3][/center]

[center]~ [@Riffus Maximus], [@Xaltwind], [@Rune_Alchemist], [@AzureKnight] (KIR, VRA & LAV) ~[/center]

It was the big day. The morning of the departure.

Those who answered the Ryu's pleas have all made their preparations. They have packed their things, said their goodbyes to their homes and to anyone who would miss them and made their way to Akamagaseki island. Lady Kyouko said in her letter that she would meet them all in Otomo Village, the port in the island closest to the anti-monster island Shizuyama. Through one way or another, they have all arrived at Akamagaseki and reached the port village. At the same time with the others, coincidentally.

Otomo Village was a sizable settlement with a notable estate on a hill, presumably Lady Kyouko's home. The early morning of the day meant that there was little activity in the village. Only the sounds of the morning breeze, the flowing waves and the chirping of grasshoppers could be heard besides the odd cart moving around, the early risers of the village getting ready for the day.

The arriving group would see the aqua-haired, draconic, Ryu yokai Lady Kyouko. She would be witnessed explaining things to a certain Zipanguese man who was lazily sitting on a crate. He looked carefree, had short hair and was peacefully eating sashimi, seemingly unheeding of the words of the Ryu. He wore a hooded cloak that was as white as his hair.

"[color=aqua]Ah, good! You're here! Not everyone I contacted, but you will more than suffice... hopefully.[/color]" Lady Kyouko immediately noticed the arrival of her taskforce. "[color=aqua]Ladies, this is Kannazuki Kirei, also known as Gāng Fēng Shén in the Mist Continent. He is one of the first people I've contacted for this... task and so, arrived earlier.[/color]" The Ryu introduced the white-haired man eating seafood. "[color=aqua]I've already discussed with him the finer details of your objectives so he will be taking the lead in this operation. In short, this team's objective is to infiltrate Shizuyama and uncover any information regarding the dealings between Clan Oja and the Varjan dignitaries.[/color]"

"[color=aqua]I'm very sorry for this quick briefing for you see, time is of the essence. A huge Varjan fleet has just arrived in northern Shizuyama, approaching the Saikoten region from the north.[/color]" Lady Kyouko continued, her tone anxious and her face full of worry. "[color=aqua]I fear... It is an ominous development. That is why I'd like the team to mobilize as soon as possible. Lots of innocent lives may be in danger.[/color]"

"[color=aqua]But seeing that you are all yokai, I must say this:[/color]" Lady Kyouko stared hard at her taskforce, making it clear that her words should be heeded. "[color=aqua]You will be the first monsters in thousands of years to ever step foot in Shizuyama. You will be met with fear, possibly hatred and anger at worst, but please, be patient with them. Trust my word that they are good people. And if you give a good impression, perhaps they'll even change their minds.[/color]"

"[color=aqua]I have a... mage contact inside Shizuyama. I will be teleporting you all to his location, my energies will be spent sending you while the contact spends his receiving you.[/color]" Lady Kyouko relayed the plan. "[color=aqua]Are you all prepared? Do you have any questions? Ask them now since we cannot tarry any longer.[/color]" She asked the newly-arrived taskforce. "[color=aqua]Speaking of tarrying, I'm sure I told Nyla to meet me here an hour ago...[/color]"