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[color=#736AFF][b][h1]Ranbu no Izayoi[/h1][/b][/color]
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[b]"Your concern is noted."[/b] Zacharias nodded in Galahad's direction. [b]"So long as I am aware of the oncoming threat, I will be able to handle myself."[/b] He let the byplay about Loki go on while looking to Eliane, raising an eyebrow. [b]"I'd have thought it would be little concern for one who would order warships upon Brightlam so readily. Regardless, civilian fire crews have been mobilized. Those not willing or able to serve with the militia can still defend their homes in one way or another."[/b]

Meanwhile, Izayoi simply raised an eyebrow at Esben's planning. 

[color=#736AFF][b]"Perhaps [i]after[/i] we survive this battle, then."[/b][/color] She said, her tone dry as sandpaper. [color=#736AFF][b]"Not to say that I do not believe you regarding her capabilities, fantastical as they sound. But such concerns can wait until after we repel Valheim. Regardless, if we've merely an hour left before the enemy is within range, then let us be off. Ideally, we'll be prepared to deploy the moment the battle begins in earnest."[/b][/color]

___

Death approached Brightlam on wings of black steel. Valheim's invasion fleet numbered a few dozen airships strong: a far cry from the massive armada that took Osprey, but a mighty show of force unmatched by most on the continent regardless. Brightlam's defenders stood ready, the magi among them already beginning channels and rituals to strike the first blow against the oncoming invaders. Streams of magic, gouts of flame, and bolts of lightning shot out from the boughs, crashing into the airships and managing to bring a few down. 

That was all the time they had to muster for a preparatory strike, however, as the airships began to descend towards the treetops, opening fire with chaingun and cannon. What few soldiers there were on Brightlam's topmost layer either scattered or fell right there, leaving the way open for more airships to begin touching down and depositing their payloads of soldiers upon the arboreal city. 

[b]"They come!"[/b] Grovemaster Zacharias roared from his command post, raising his staff to summon Ramuh and bring him to the fore. Up in the skies, the Eidolon's appearance seemed to come to no surprise to the Valheimr command staff.

[b]"Well, well. Ramuh already?"[/b] Valon grinned on the deck of a large Valheimr cruiser, greater in size than the Proudclad that Eve had singlehandedly destroyed weeks ago. [b]"The old man is desperate. Permission to engage, oh Captain of ours?"[/b]

[b]"Granted."[/b] A familiar figure in armor nodded. [b]"Deployment of Siren is authorized. We need Leviathan distracted."[/b] Reisa gestured towards the final figure in their little group. To this, Valon only nodded and hefted his new gunlance onto his shoulder. [b]"Right, then. Oi, you lot!"[/b] He called towards a dozen more pseudo-Dragoons, freshly brought up after their previous losses on the sea. [b]"Straight down, feet first into the hells! We clear a landing zone for Siren, and then we start headhunting the old man-"[/b]

[center][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ7C7XwAPeg[/youtube][/center]

A massive sea serpent rose straight up from the rivers, its body outright ripping through an unfortunate airship in the midst of dropping the last of its personnel. Leviathan roared in challenge at the oncoming invaders, forming a jet of water in its mouth to carve another frigate in half before the flagship's cannons forced her back with a quick barrage. 

[h3][b]"Black-tinned wretches! Warriors that I bear, this is your moment! I shall deposit you upon that ship before they repel me once more!"[/b][/h3] 

True to her word, Leviathan lunged for the cruiser again, but this time, a hydra formed of water slammed into her from the flank, sending the Kirins on her back crashing onto the deck of a nearby destroyer, off their mark. It seemed Siren had come into play. 

As the Eidolon and her pseudo-copy tumbled down towards the rivers below, mocking, familiar laughter could be heard from above.

[b]"Thatagirl!"[/b] Valon cackled as he landed on the deck, twirling his gunlance once, twice, thrice. Valheimr ground troops had begun to surround the Kirins, while his false dragoons hovered in the sky, alongside [url=https://i.imgur.com/8wNXZ74.png]a half dozen aetherskimmer vehicles[/url], light guns mounted on their prows. 

[b]"Right, then! No fancy speeches, let's get to business! Who wants it first? Galahad? Rudolf? The Limbtaker? Come at me if you think yourself hard enough!"[/b]