[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/gfpij0P.png[/img][/center][hr]

Yoko and Selena approached the walls outside of the Temple. Yoko didn’t like the looks of this place… Goro told her that the Temple tried to recruit him through Leon before. They didn’t seem to have the perimeter fully guarded, but there had to be some security they didn’t know about. However, with Kari watching over them, nothing could go wrong! Yoko turned to Selena and said, [color=fce420]”... Time to see what that fancy cloak of yours can do, American.”[/color]

There were a grand total of four Selenas huddled together with Yoko, each with their own copy of the Greymoon Cloak draped over them. [color=5658ff]”You know what to do. We’ll scour the grounds for the vault and look for the artifacts, while one of my doubles distracts Lynette. I am ready when you are.”[/color]

The spot the two chose for their brazen entry to the property was far along the west end, a dip in the landscape creating a mostly-scalable area that was only blocked by a row of hedges that tried to hide the imperfection. Atop the wall, looking down, the descent was going to be a little more difficult… Or, would be; but thanks to Selena’s unique situation, it’d be a simple thing to create a human rope-ladder.

Once over the wall, the two would find themselves in something like another world. The enchantment of the area was thick, Lux currents creating a breezy forest that seemed to prattle on with life until it was ultimately disturbed by the quiet intrusion. Things went from a distant drone, to a terse and biting silence.
It’d be up to the two to navigate the rough mile between themselves and the Temple proper, but a walk should’ve been a small price to pay for a clandestine entrypoint. 

Yoko turned to Selena, [color=fce420]”Let’s get this show on the road! This place gives me the creeps…”[/color] Yoko shuddered.

[hr]

The sound of Selena’s footsteps echoed through the hallways of the Temple’s central building. Flanked by two of Lynette’s guards, she silently walked down the passageway as directed by them, and entered the chamber to speak with the head of the Temple there. She lowered the hood of her cloak, met Lynette Richoux’s eyes and slightly bowed her head.

[color=5658ff]”Madame Richoux, it has been a long few years since we’ve stood in the same room together. I am thankful for the opportunity to speak with you once again.”[/color]

Lynette Richoux, as was typical of her nature, was dressed in a dark black sundress that showed off her shoulders and arms. Their subtle musculature was covered in tattoos, wings and vines and plenty of flowers; they matched the lilies and posies that stuck into her thick single-tailed braid. She had a hat, its brim almost two feet around, resting on the conference table.
[color=8882be]”Miiiiiiss Phoenix… It is forever my pleasure to welcome members of the esteemed Sycamore Tree Coven; may the Lord rest her name… Now, to [i]what[/i] do I owe such magnanimous pleasure?”[/color] she asked, voice regal and aloof as the security members flanked the door.

[color=5658ff]”I have returned home to St. Portwell on a quest to seek out one of our former members, Goro Hatanaka. I have spent weeks searching for him, traveled to three countries outside the United States, scoured the internet for a trace of his presence. And I’ve found nothing. Neither magical nor mundane means have been sufficient to find him,”[/color] She explained, calmly. It wasn’t a total lie, at least.

[color=5658ff]”I’ve come to you because I fear the worst, and I know that you keep a close ear to the wind for what occurs in the world.”[/color]

Lynette tilted back slightly.
[color=8882be]”Hmmmm… My Dear…-”[/color] She seemed lost in thought for a moment, like she was rummaging around in her mind for something. [color=8882be]”-Well… As far as I’m aware, young Goro never took any of our oaths! We certainly keep tabs, my Love, this you know: But we do our best not to keep too close an eye on those uninterested in our causes.”[/color]
She turned a smile to Selena, eyes squinting up just like a cat’s would in pleasure.

[color=8882be]”But I’m sure we can make a concerted effort to look! I’ll assign some resources, have a few conversations: I’m sure that we can replicate some of the famous Hatanaka artifices… Maybe, something like a wayfinder? To find the master, one must use their skills, no?”[/color]

She nodded. [color=5658ff]”I have already been to the Hatanaka family’s home in Japan. I think we are closer to that eventuality than you may expect. But, such things take time, and I would be remiss if I did not make proper use of that time. We can accomplish much when we work together, that is the strength of all paranormals. Your people are an example of that, hence my presence here today.”[/color]

Lynette looked oh-so-pleased with herself as Selena spoke. Being praised for her unifying efforts was a fast track into Lynette’s good graces. 
[color=8882be]”Then, bodies it is? Some assistance in your hunting, no doubt?”[/color] 

[color=5658ff]”It would be [i]greatly[/i] appreciated if you could spare the effort.”[/color] A professional grin crossed her face. [color=5658ff]”Information, extra eyes in the world, anything you are willing to extend. In return, I will offer favors. I have amassed resources of my [i]own[/i] in the years after the Sycamore.”[/color]

[color=8882be]”Oh, Sweet Pea… Favors simply don’t interest me when it comes to you Sycamites. It’s an honor and a pleasure to do what we can.”[/color]
Her assistant, a young woman with striking red hair, moved without prompting toward one of the walls. Pressing her hand against it, the section unfolded into a rack that held a single large, ancient looking tome. She hefted its massive leather volume and brought it before Lynette, who opened it up.

She looked like a librarian hunting the records for something specific.
[color=8882be]”Ha-ta-naaaaa-... Well, last time we updated anything, it seems Mr. Hatanaka was still residing in St. Portwell. How off the mark is that from your current information?”[/color] she asked, looking up at Selena half expectantly.

[color=5658ff]”Very,”[/color] she answered. [color=5658ff]”He returned to Japan years ago, not so long after we sealed the Devil Snake… He hadn’t come back to America since, to my knowledge.”[/color]

Lynette closed the book with a gentle flick, the grin never leaving her face.
[color=8882be]”Men it is then… We’ve been to Japan before, we can get you back there! And I’ll send a few people with you! You remember my son, Leon? And my niece, Daisy Hunter? There should be plenty of investigative power between the two of them, and with one of our basic Jumpers, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting around.”[/color]

[color=5658ff]”Leon…”[/color] He had certainly been a [i]character[/i] way back when. [color=5658ff]”I have not heard from him in years. How is he?”[/color]
[hr]

The forest pathway Yoko and Selena found themselves upon was mostly quiet, save for glimpses and echoes of strange and otherworldly creatures. The magical environment surrounding the Temple’s grounds was maintained by the cult, allowing for the inhabitants of other realms to be found here in comfort.
Strange deer, birds, insects; there was a pond that was suspended mid-air, a giant sphere of hovering water in which a myriad of fish swam.

Eventually they made for a mausoleum, its gate unlocked and its entryway dark. There was a crypt beneath, and a few levels of stone stairs down brought the duo to a hall that looked different from the rest of the place. Wood paneling this far underground was a questionable decision, as some of the structure looked to be weakened or molded from water leaking in at the table level.
But it was mostly unsecured, and eventually the hall gave way to an iron gate. It only took a little finesse to get that open, and suddenly they were in what could only be described as a trophy room. 

Glass display cases held artifacts from across Shimmer and beyond, some displays bordering on non-euclidian in their design. It’d be up to the two of them to hunt for the scroll in question, but if it was actually on this property, this is definitely where they’d keep it.

Yoko glanced around… The urge to take everything was defeated by the urge to grab whatever was here and haul ass. Yoko glanced at the Selenas, she would have to check out the Greymoon Cloak when she had a chance. [color=fce420]”Let’s get to work, American. I have a feeling it’s not going to be this easy.”[/color] Yoko shrugged, hoping that Kari was also searching for whatever Hatanaka artifact was here.

[color=5658ff]”You have your Wayfinder, we just need to follow it as closely as we can. I’ll send clones ahead of us just in case we aren’t alone.”[/color] Selena’s clones began walking at a quicker pace, manifesting small orbs of pale glass. Selena herself created one and made it float behind them.

[color=5658ff]”That will prevent us from being ambushed… Which way is it taking us too?”[/color]

[color=fce420]”Unfortunately the replica of my brother’s Wayfinder is not that accurate,”[/color] Yoko said, shaking her head. [color=fce420]”We’re going have to find it the old fashioned way.”[/color]

The many different artifact displays seemed to be regional, with some sections consisting of only a few small objects while others seemed to be full of any kind of random crap. One side was dedicated to the Richoux’s participation in both Europe and the Americas, while the other held scant Egyptian and North African artifacts. Then, beyond them, Middle Eastern artifacts from the Arabian peninsula, then India, South-East Asia… 

The section of Japanese artifacts had enough substance that it was very clearly separated from the others. There was a rack of scrolls even, covered up by a locked front that denied immediate entry.

[color=5658ff]”Do any of those look like a Hatanaka artifact? A Swift Scroll, perhaps?”[/color]

Yoko was quickly checking them case by case. However, Yoko found a kanabo…Probably the same kind that damn ogre uses. Though, it gave her an idea, she grabbed it from its rack. It was heavy, but Yoko trained for this. Yoko sucked in air as she groaned - using all of her strength to throw the club over. 

[color=fce420]”... We’re about to find out!”[/color] Yoko said as she ran over. [color=fce420]”Get out of the way!”[/color]

When she was in range, Yoko slammed the club down on the lock - imbued with the Impact spell. It shattered the lock into pieces, and granted them access. Yoko then stepped forward, dropping the club with a loud thud. She examined the scrolls, before reaching for one. Yoko turned to Selena, stating…

[color=fce420]”... This is the Contract Scroll,”[/color] Yoko said. [color=fce420]”I think this is it, we should go now. Unless you want to gorge yourself on these cheap replicas.”[/color] Yoko rolled her eyes.

[color=5658ff]”We have what we came for, so let’s-”[/color] Selena stopped abruptly, and her head snapped to the ceiling.

[color=5658ff]”They destroyed the clone.”[/color]

Yoko then shoved the scroll into her pocket before her phone began to ring, she pulled it out, and it was Kari calling her. Naturally she answered…

[color=eac6ae]”... Someone’s coming! Wrap it up and go!”[/color] Kari said, without so much as a hello.

There wasn’t a great deal of noise or sound that heralded the arrival of the giant in black. Robed, poised between them and the door, the figure’s body began to jostle about as a laugh echoed from beneath its hood. 
The figure stepped forward, bare feet against the stone floor shuffling along slowly.

[color=C67C12]"Ho-ly shit… Well… Can’t say I’m one-hundred percent surprised you’re back for that…”[/color]
As his hand lifted, the robe hiding his flesh pulled away to reveal the shimmering hue of flesh anointed with the light of raw Apparitional Lux. A long, thick and calloused finger pointed to Yoko.
[color=C67C12]"But I always imagined it’d be Goro. Not you, Yoko. Selena? You really hurt Mom’s feelings, tricking her like that…”[/color]

He stepped forward one more time, finally pulling the hood away. Leon Richoux: but rather than the raven-haired teen they’d known all those years ago, his hair was white as snow, eyes blue like the sky and piercing as they stared at the two women.

[color=C67C12]"I think you’ve been blessed regardless… I’ve been instructed to [i]give you a head start[/i]. Don’t blow it.”[/color]
With an evil grin, Leon dropped to his knees and divested himself of his robe, revealing the flesh beneath that began to writhe and bubble until new growth burst forth in great, bloody wounds. He grunted, snarled, and as he did so, the two would be able to see the muscles and bones themselves break and shift upon his face. Every second, he more and more resembled those awful creatures of fantasy; the hybrids of man and wolf.

He was not the same Wizard he’d once been…

[color=fce420]”I’m not blowing it alright…”[/color] Yoko hissed as she knelt down, and grabbed the remains of the locks. She applied the Impact spell to it, and then quickly threw it at Leon. With the Impact spell, it should be enough to knock him down. In this moment, Yoko grabbed the Kanabo, ready to shove it up his ass… Then slid the phone in her back pocket.

[color=eac6ae]”Nice!”[/color] Kari said, [color=eac6ae]”There goes your headstart!”[/color]

Yoko, for all the smarts, threw an impact-afflicted lock at a werewolf. A werewolf well versed in sparring and fighting against Orange Lux users like her. But none of it mattered, in the end. In a secure location, somewhere nearby and unbeknownst to the duo, was an artifact that stabilized Leon’s transformation to the point where he could push himself to the absolute limit.

A fist lashed out the instant Yoko’s lock left her hand, driving itself into the impact lock like he was punching a moving truck. It stopped the beast’s fist, clanking to the floor in a flattened heap.
[color=C67C12][b]"Is that [i]Kari Wilson[/i] on the phone!? Ooooh, it's a three-way operation!”[/b][/color]

[color=eac6ae]”No, it's your mother,”[/color] Kari retorted.

A consummate gentleman, Leon used the inhuman dexterity and speed of his twisted in-between form to kick off the floor at an incredible speed, aiming for the little buzzing electronic audio source coming from the phone. He was told to give them a head start, and he intended to do so… 
After all, he was used to playing with his food.

Yoko’s eyes shot open as Leon just ignored the Impact spell. Which was, currently, her primary offensive technique. Yoko acted on reflex when Leon came at her, applying the Hardening spell to her clothes and this club. Yoko hunkered down, anticipating the attack, the spell weighed her down unfortunately so she had to hope she could remain on her feet.

Flinching only made it easier for the half-beast to scarper with the phone, sliding to a stop behind the two women. As much as his wolf-like face could grin, it did. Holding the phone was like holding a little book of matches for Leon, and he ever-so-gently brought it up to his fuzzy ear.

[color=C67C12][b]"Kariiiiiii… We’re not animals. We say we’ll give something, we give it. Just like there’s always a place for you here in the Temple.”[/b][/color] he growled loudly.

[i][b]BAM![/b][/i]

Four glowing spikes of pale energy were launched at the beastly Adjoined, each coming from the hand of Selena and her clones. Celestial Spears, that they had charged up to hit him hard and fast while he was throwing Yoko around like a sack of potatoes.

[color=5658ff]”Leon, Leon, [i]Leon.[/i] Surely you haven’t lost your sense of reason in the last few years. You are [i]outnumbered.[/i] Do not play this game.”[/color]

The beastial man-thing's body twisted in place, dodging spear after spear. One coalesced and sped toward his face, at which point the maw opened and closed down on the broad head of it. Like it was a solid object, he bit down on it and shattered it into golden light.

A few remained to stick out of the thick hide of his leg and chest, but they seemed to be spat out as the wounds recovered on their own. It hurt, enough that Leon didn't want to keep dealing with blows like that… But they didn't kill him outright. He could keep going.

[color=C67C12][b]"Who else but us, huh? We get a free pass and still spit in the face of the provider! Long live Sycamore!”[/b][/color]
With great force and speed, Leon sent Yoko's phone back toward her face hoping to distract her. 
Truth be told, he didn't care that Yoko came to reclaim her family's stolen property: It was only right, after all. He only cared that the two of them were such assholes that they heard “head start” and chose to waste such a grace.

So he was going to show Selena, or whichever clone he got his claws on first, that courtesy was just that. As the phone ripped through the air, Leon pushed off on powerful back legs, arm out and claws forward like a deadly arrow to pierce whatever he hit.

Yoko grit teeth as she caught her phone and wanted to shove this club up his ass. Yoko used all of her strength to raise the club and applied the Parry spell to it. [color=fce420]”... Sycamore is dead, you stupid fuck!”[/color] When Leon made contact with the club, Leon was launched aside.

Yoko quickly swung the kanabo at him, with Impact applied to it to give it bone breaking force.

Leon yelped as he was knocked out of the air and slammed into a display. It must've activated the mechanism in the wall, causing the secret cache of more artifacts to open up behind it as Leon tried to recover.
[color=C67C12][b]"No thanks to people like you and Goro, Yoko!”[/b][/color]

The sound of bones snapping back into place bounced and echoed through the stone room. The beast stood again, and this time went for a different tactic: Flesh burst open at the neck and shoulders, meat and flesh and muscle forming in rapid fashion as Leon broke and reformed himself.

His neck grew long and snakelike in its range of motion. The same was true of his arms, which were now so long and flexible that they more resembled the tentacles of an octopus than the arms of a beast.
These noodle limbs, attached to massive claws, began to rake out and slash away in a fury. The hydra-like stance of the head waited above it all, searching for a moment to lash out and bite.

While Leon was busy extending his neck out like a damn bungee cord, the Selenas were moving around him. Two of them were [i]floating[/i], jumping above him and damn near banging their heads against the ceiling as they drifted back down with a pale white glow radiating from their hands. That would be the Vitrify spell. The clones shot out beams of energy at Leon, which caused crystalline glass to build up on his skin to weigh him down. It was like a freeze ray, somewhat, but less cold.

Yoko had no choice but to backpedal… What the hell happened to Leon?! Selena gave her an opening, but Yoko had no tools to capitalize on it.

[color=eac6ae]”... You have the scroll!”[/color] Kari shouted from the phone, having to raise her voice to be heard, [color=eac6ae]”Just go!”[/color]

Yoko sighed, throwing the kanabo over her shoulder. [color=fce420]”... American! Let's go!”[/color] Yoko began, before pointing a finger at Leon. [color=fce420]”I will return! And challenge you and this cult, Yokai!”[/color]

The sensation of having one's flesh actively crystallized was one Leon didn't recognize. It didn't mean that he didn't know what to do about it, however, only that it put him on the back foot again. He could hear Kari Wilson's voice echo through the phone speaker as supernatural hearing picked up the electronic resonance over anything else.

He had to retract his head and arms, less they become so brittle and unsupported that they simply snap off. Without any weak structural areas to focus on, Selena would have to dump the spell into the rapidly regenerating core of the beast.
Every time a big enough chunk was crystalized, the flesh would simply sevor the affected area and heal near instantly. Though, he was already getting tired from the heavy usage of Lelou's energy.

[color=C67C12][b]"You should really listen to KARI!”[/b][/color]
A leg swept out, Leon actively snapping the ligaments that held his form together to ensure a full rotation at maximum power. As it swept forward, he'd aim for every Selena at once with his free hands. 

An impact into the actual woman wouldn't involve claws: It almost seemed like he still didn't want to hurt her, even if the power would snap bones of her own. Ultimately, all it did was force all parties involved closer to the door.
[color=C67C12][b]"And don't fucking come back! It'll be bad for your health!”[/b][/color]

[color=fce420]”... God, you’re annoying,”[/color] Yoko rolled her eyes, as she backpedaled towards the door. [color=fce420]”Selena! This trash isn’t worth our time! Let’s go!”[/color]

In a moment of quick thinking, one of the Selena clones made an orb of crystal in its hands as all of them were tossed backwards. She shattered it in Leon’s face, pulsing a wave of telekinetic energy at him like a shotgun blast. That Selena faded from the scene as the real one ran towards Yoko. [color=5658ff]”Let’s go!”[/color]

Yoko just darted out of the door, Kari giving her directions on where to get  through the phone. Afterward, the two made it out the door to the wall they approached when they got there. Yoko stopped, pivoted on her heel, and turned around and saw that Leon was no longer pursuing them. She panted over and over again…

[color=eac6ae]”... Leon is no longer chasing you,”[/color] Kari noted through the phone. [color=eac6ae]”You should head back here for the night.”[/color]

Yoko kept panting, and Kari laughed, [color=eac6ae]”We can have a cute little slumber party!”[/color]

Yoko rolled her eyes.

[color=5658ff]”Wonderful.”[/color]