[hider=Bantering the Baneful (Liliana and Skarsneek Feat: Na'Kratz)]
Liliana had expected thanks from a Varjan sometime between now and never, so hearing that Na’kratz wanted to see her and Skarsneek was surprising. More than surprising, really, it didn’t sound real. He was a butcher…and Liliana had seen what he’d done during her last mission. 

[color=f49ac2][b]"Well…I guess I have a little time before the meeting. What do you think Skarsneek? You’re smart, and this smells like a trap to me,"[/b][/color] the fairy said, nodding to her own brilliant deduction that the evil guy might be up to no good. 

[color=ed145b]”Hmm, it’s definitely one. Probably even just to mock or feed us false information.”[/color] He said to her while tapping his chin before shrugging. [color=ed145b]”But let’s hear it out.”[/color]

[color=ed145b]”Just be wary, I don’t got any magic protection on me and they could use spells to befuddle the mind. So I’m depending on you.”[/color] Skarsneek pointed to his ears. [color=ed145b]”Wouldn’t be the first time they have something like that.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2][b]"Sounds like a plan! I’ll make sure to give you a boost before we head in, just in case,”[/b][/color] Liliana said, proudly holding her sword aloft. She didn’t know if Na’kratz really could affect their minds that much with an arm out of commission, but better safe than sorry. An anti-magic field spell outside the hut should do the trick. 

With their half-formed plan fully baked to make sure the Varjan couldn’t manipulate or befuddle them with magic, it seemed time for the duo to march on over for their meeting. 

[color=ed145b]”Speaking of which, what’s up with….Alice, Cecilia or whomever she’s going by now? ”[/color] He asked the fairy as they walked together. [color=ed145b]”It wasn’t so long she disappeared, and each time, she came back different.”[/color]

It’s like months or years past rather than just the weeks they’ve been here. That, and he just wanted something to fill in the silence. Feels like he had been missing others with how busy he’s often was.

[color=f49ac2][b]"You came to the right fairy to ask that! So…basically, Alice is Cecilia, but Alice is sort of like…like a suit of armor that Carroll makes. But Alice has her own thoughts and feelings. Cecilia is who’s been underneath that this whole time, and she seems to not like it when people treat her like Alice. We got in a huuuuuge fight over it,”[/b][/color] Liliana explained, looking a bit sad before continuing her explanation. 

[color=f49ac2][b]"Lady Alice is gone for the time being, so…Cecilia is Cecilia from now on. I think. Oh, and she kept getting almost killed, so her brain reset a few times. Carroll lost her memories too.[/b][/color]

Skarsneek and Liliana soon arrived at the medical huts, where many of the more gravely-injured refugees stayed. When they asked for the prisoner Na’kratz, a nurse guided them to a corner in one of the huts. There, the Amethyst Prince lay on a simple mat; stripped of his armor and armaments and wearing simple villager clothes though his large build made the outfit quite tight. He was sitting upright with a blanket over his lower body.

Na’kratz immediately spoke as soon as the nurse left. “[color=mediumpurple]First of all, I’d like an apology for being… mistreated as a prisoner of war.[/color]” He was gesturing with his remaining hand. “[color=mediumpurple]Secondly, just because you saved me doesn’t mean I owe you anything. Let’s make that clear.[/color]”

“[color=mediumpurple]Although, that doesn’t mean you can’t ask me any questions. No promises if you don’t like the answer, though. Hehehe…[/color]” The Amethyst Prince chuckled ominously. “[color=mediumpurple]I can also offer advice… if you’ll hear them.[/color]”

[color=ed145b]”Well, how’s Takeshi father and who awaits us if we wanna get to him?”[/color] Skarsneek went to the point after sharing a glance at Liliana before crossing his arms. 

[color=f49ac2][b]"And what do the Varjans even want here?"[/b][/color] Liliana added, before hastily adding: [color=f49ac2][b]"Oh, and, sorry that you got shot. At least, sorry for the part where you got hurt after the fight was over. That stunk."[/b][/color]

“[color=mediumpurple]Takeshi’s… Lord Oja? Oh, don’t you worry about his health. We’re taking real good care of him since he’s the only one who can tell everybody in this backwater island to surrender. We both know the Shizuyamans hate you monsters than us Varjans. Hehehehe…[/color]” Na’kratz was pleased hearing his own answer. “[color=mediumpurple]I reckon he’ll be pretty guarded. You off to save him? You realize that he’ll cut off all of the taskforce’s heads and their collaborators the moment he gets a sword, right? Hahahahaha![/color]” He taunted Skarsneek and Liliana.

“[color=mediumpurple]As for why we’re here, well… Can’t friends visit each other once in a while?[/color]” Looks like Na’kratz wasn’t going to answer that particular question. “[color=mediumpurple]And thanks for the apology. I’ll try not to make your death painful once the opportunity comes, okay? Hahahaha![/color]”

[color=ed145b]”Hmph, hardly necessary.”[/color] Skarsneek waved his hand in annoyance, resisting the urge to just return the favor. [color=ed145b]”Guards huh, probably one of those Blood Hounds? I presume they're better suited than your division.”[/color]

Skarsneek was somewhat aware of the relations between the Varjans army, some of them were more rivals and at each other throat at times. He hoped that goading him would make Na’Kratz reveal more.

[color=f49ac2][b]"Takeshi’s smart, even if his dad hates monsters, he’s probably got a plan cooked up to get him on our side,"[/b][/color] Liliana said, putting her hands on her hips as she flatly denied the idea that as soon as Lord Oja was freed that they’d be toast. [color=f49ac2][b]"Besides, as much as he might hate monsters, I bet he hates people butchering his land and people even more."[/b][/color]

Na’kratz laughed some more at Liliana’s reply. “[color=mediumpurple]Wanna bet on that, little fairy?[/color]” The Amethyst Prince offered. “[color=mediumpurple]Remember, these people have fought and hated your kind far, far longer than our… visit here.[/color]”

“[color=mediumpurple]And it’s ‘World Hounds’, Goblin.[/color]” Na’kratz addressed Skarsneek. “[color=mediumpurple]And no, they’re probably not guarding Lord Oja. There’s not that many of them here and the last thing those crazies wanna do is stand around and guard something.[/color]” He answered. “[color=mediumpurple]It’s the Scarce Legion that has been tasked by our Queen Leyanne to subdue this island, so they’re the bulk of the invasion force. Anyone who isn’t probably just tagged along. Like yours truly.[/color]”
“[color=mediumpurple]And I’d be careful on placing your trust in that Takeshi boy.[/color]” The Varjan added. “[color=mediumpurple]If he truly was smart, he should have surrendered and joined us rather than throw his lot with you. Ahahahahaha![/color]” Na’kratz seem to enjoy the sound of his annoying laugh.

[color=ed145b]”And if your leaders were smart, they’ll call this invasion off from the get go.”[/color] Skarsneek waved his hand as even conquering this backwater island, won’t actually lead them any closer to properly conquering Zipangu. Even with a proper foothold.

All of this was a delaying action, and Zipangu was getting closer to marshalling its own forces that far outstrip the Varjans here.

That’s also not mentioning the politics near Varjan as no doubt, other nations and even the Demon Lord factions was already moving.

Skarsneek won’t claim to know everything however, and perhaps it was an action meant to stir all of them up, perhaps not. It wasn’t the first time Varjo decided to extend its hand out of the delusion that it can but didn’t stopped to think if it should.

But still, he gotten some information. Now to crosscheck them with the others before making a plan.

Skarsneek shared one last look with Liliana, indicating he’s done here.

Liliana would huff and cross her arms, sharing an identical look back to Skarsneek.

[color=f49ac2][b]"Yeah! You guys’re going down, so…enjoy your cushy hospital bed while we send the Varjans packing. "[/b][/color]

With her words said, Liliana would get ready to leave with Skarsneek, feeling like this wasn’t worth them coming out here just to meet the smug butthead. She thought she might have to rough the Varjan up for answers, but it sort of felt like…they’d wasted their time? Or maybe this was all some devious distraction? Whatever the case, Liliana would sneak in some last minute training before meeting up with the others. 

It was time for the final showdown…for now. Probably. Hopefully forever in this crazy rebellion.
[/hider]