[center][h3]A Forest In Saikoten[/h3][/center]

[center]~ [@AzureKnight] (VRA) ~[/center]

[u]Vară[/u] managed to escape from the village, leaving Sidonus to his bleak fate. When she entered the forest adjacent to the campsite, she encountered a kneeling Janus whose eyes were closed. Not for long, though, as he immediately noticed [u]Vară's[/u] presence. "[color=red]Ah, Miss Vară. I'm glad you made it out unscathed like the others, but where is Sidonus?[/color]"

[quote=Vară Riemsianne][color=firebrick]”Sidonus, he…he stayed behind back at the village. He was fighting…some weird masked man. I-I tried to help him, but all I could do was run away. I…don’t know if he made it or not… Forgive me.”[/color][/quote]

Janus was shocked. He closed his eyes again for several moments, sensing for Sidonus' energies, before releasing a deep sigh. "[color=red]...Your duty ends, Colossonaire.[/color]" He remarked quietly to the fallen warrior. "[color=red]The rest of the taskforce are at the campsite. Join them for now and get some rest. I need to be alone for a few moments...[/color]"

The spellcaster said nothing more, taking the time to mourn the fallen Sidonus.

[hr]
[center][h3]Janus' Campsite[/h3][/center]

[center]~ [@Vox Angelis], [@AzureKnight] (KIR & LAV), [@Rune_Alchemist], [@Xaltwind] (COCO & GWN) ~[/center]

[quote=Coco Hapaptet][color=gold]"We're not gonna hurt you. After all, our friends here did just save you from that beach you so valiantly tried to defend."[/color][/quote]

[quote=Gwendolyn][color=violet]"Fear not, young lord! I assure you, you're safe as one could be, and your chastity has not been soiled!"[/color][/quote]

Takeshi was instantly suspicious when the Baphomet claimed he was not soiled. The Shoggoth had her tentacles all over him when he woke up. The young lord patted his body to make sure and found that his underwear was intact and he... felt well and good, but not that kind of 'good'. Perhaps the yokai told the truth... at least, this time.

When [u]Nyla[/u] emerged from the tent, Takeshi turned his stick towards her.

[quote=N'ylaatothk][color=a187be]"...As a show of good faith I will return this to you."[/color][/quote]

The Shoggoth offered, more or less, the same words as the other yokai. But for some reason, Takeshi was inclined to believe her. At least, more than the other yokai. His memory faintly remembered those black and luminescent eyes back at the beach. The Shoggoth then presented him his sword, the blade gifted to him at his coming-of-age. It was forged specifically for the young lord, and he has practiced with it ever since.  

Still, Takeshi approached warily, trying to take a good look at the sword to make sure it was true and not a trap. Unfortunately, he did not have the skills required to spot that the blade was but a false construct from the Shoggoth's being.

[quote=Lavinia Isabella][color=lightskyblue]”I agree with Ms. Nyla, some men don’t like aggressive women you know~ Worry not, Lord Oja, indeed we come in peace. We mean to assist you in driving back these invaders, if you’ll have us.”[/color][/quote]

[quote=Kirei Kannazuki][color=beige]”My name is Kannazuki Kirei, a warrior requested by a benefactor to Shizuyama to lead this force and assist the natives in the defense against the attacking Varjan brutes.”[/color][/quote]

The human man named [u]Kirei[/u] placed a hand on Takeshi's stick "weapon" and lowered it with the latter offering no resistance. He was still suspicious of the group, but he was sure they were not here to hurt him. They even claimed otherwise, they were here to help against the invasion. Why would some yokai would want to help Shizuyama? Takeshi could guess a few good reasons.

The young lord took [u]Nyla's[/u] sword and unsheathed it from the scabbard. It seemed to be his sword, free from any alterations. It did seem pretty clean, though, considering the battle on the beach. But perhaps, the yokai cleaned it for him.

[quote=Kirei Kannazuki][color=beige]”Lord Oja. That sword is quite strong, but I would ask that you take care if you indeed decide to use it. It…may not be what you’re used to.”[/color][/quote]

Takeshi raised an eyebrow at the remark, and looked directly at [u]Nyla's[/u] eyes. This time, with not a hint of affection. "...Did you do something to my sword?"

Getting another glance at the entire taskforce, Takeshi slowly realized something. "...You're no ragtag group of monsters looking for adventure or whatnot. You're actually an organized force." He deduced correctly. "Who exactly are you? Who is this benefactor? We have no allies who would use yokai. At least, not anymore..." Noticing that [u]Kirei[/u] was the only male present, he added. "And are you all his wives?"