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Einer had his fair share of assignments cleansing areas tainted by Miasma back in Flugell. The fighting was long over every time Einer's services were called and all the musician knew of the Miasma firsthand was how grotesque it turned everything it touched. Obviously, Einer read about the taint's effects, much like everyone, but he still remembered the first time he encountered it out in the open. Many were horrified, and it horrified Einer too... but similarly with Scarlett, the musician always found the taint oddly fascinating in a way.
Apparently, this neutral city caught a bad Miasma infestation at such a seemingly coincidental time. It fell to the newly-arrived Reaver guests to help eradicate the darkness. Once again, Einer found himself accompanying Leon, Eve and Lapi investigating the city's alleys and crannies for anything tainted. Einer was playing the Song Of Varda all the while, a tune that made it seem this small party were the heralds of salvation of Cambridge against the Miasma. Not exactly a fitting tune right now, but it cleansed any Miasma energy wherever they went. Of course, it would also attract any Malfested who heard the song. But perhaps that was for the best in order for the threat to be dealt with immediately.
Sure enough, the party was assailed by the Malfested. Einer was actually startled by the creature's speed, even making him stop playing the song. "...So that was a Malfested." The musician muttered as the others talked. They were hideous as ever, but they were surprisingly quick contrary to Einer's expectations.
”Many things in nature take on grotesque forms when on the path of evolution.”
But any further investigation must be put on hold, a woman emanating powerful Miasma appeared before the party. She radiated evil... and power. Einer was awed at her presence, his mouth agape. The fact that she could speak flew over the musician's head.
”To think you refer to those with Mother’s gift with such contempt. It’s sacrilege, aside from it being utter mockery.”
Shortly after that sentence, the woman unleashed a powerful wave of negative energy that sent everyone except Leon flying a couple of feet away. As Einer recovered, he noticed more Malfested incoming to join the party. While Leon fought the Malfested lady, Einer along with Eve and Lapi had to deal with these tainted. Perhaps playing the Song Of Varda the entire time earlier wasn't such a good idea after all.
The Malfested homed in on Einer. One was taken down by Eve, but there was still another. Einer's close combat instincts kicked in as he quickly dropped his lute to receive the enemy. As the Malfested lunged, Einer made himself low before catching the tainted creature and slamming it down on to the pavement. The musician knew that the Malfested were strong, practically impervious in hand-to-hand combat. Einer put the Malfested into a headlock, the proximity to this evil made Einer's stomach churn.
"Eve! Lapi!" Einer cried out, using all his strength to keep the Malfested from breaking free. "You need to cover me! I can play music that'll weaken the Malfested in the area! But you need to cover me!" Such words shamed Einer, but desperation and the instinct to survive mattered more in these circumstances.
Skarsneek's attempt to assist Takeshi was moderately successful. Tetsuo had to shift his attention from his duel to evade the male Goblin's attack, which left him open to Takeshi's advance. The young lord did not get a hit in, but he took advantage of the brief opening to unleash a string of mighty swings. Tetsuo was forced to fall back, taking back steps ascending to the second level.
The rock that Skarsneek launched at the Iron Grinder was of little effect. His armor protected him from the speeding stone. Fortunately, the follow-up attack was not necessary as Kerry attempted to kick the legionnaire off the Lich. It did not fully work but Io was afforded more room to cast another beam spell that took out her captor. Before someone else decided to attack Io, she was carried off to a relatively safer position by Kerry.
With a scroll from her body, Io casted a healing and strengthening spell targeting only her allies. The Varjans and their allies no longer had the numbers nor the capability to interrupt Io, allowing her to maintain her spell. Still, the taskforce members might get into deep trouble and would require a direct intervention from the Lich.
Gringor caught Iron Grinder leader's sword with his teeth and hit the limb on his chest with his trusty axe. Contrary to Gringor's expectations, it only took one swing to get the legionnaire leader off of him. The Iron Grinder still stood, prepared for Gringor's next move, but with a noticeable limp now. Perhaps that could be taken advantage of.
Shizuka and the Hangai sisters were relieved by the timely arrival of their teammates. Dinah went to help the former while Liliana and Eula, later joined by Kerry, went after the latter. Dinah and Shizuka made short work of the technique students who once had the azure swordsman on the ropes. No more tried to attack them, for what remained of the enemy forces were already occupied by the other taskforce members. Shizuka moved to help the others, but apparently not Dinah.
"Behind us!" A student yelled as he saw reinforcements coming to the Hangai sisters' aid, catching the attentions of the two Iron Grinders.
One of the Iron Grinders slammed his hammer unto the moist soil, flinging drops of mud everywhere to stop Eula and Liliana's advance and momentum. With the initiative theirs, the other Iron Grinder surged forth to take a horizontal swing at the Automaton. The other wanted to go after the warrior Fairy, but his huge hammer wasn't really optimal to hit small, fluttery targets and opted to go after others instead. Like the Hornet, Kerry.
The Hangai sisters were still being attacked by several of the technique students. But the traitorous students were more vulnerable now, now that their armored allies no longer had their backs.
Meanwhile, Takeshi and Tetsuo's duel had taken them to the second level. A small clearing there would be their final arena. Tetsuo was reaching his limits but Takeshi, helped by Io's empowering spell, was about ready to finish this fight.
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
(REQUIRES ALL PLAYER CHARACTERS)
"I finally have all that I need to rescue my father from the Varjans. The only thing missing now is where the invaders have him imprisoned. I'm coming for you, father. Just wait a little longer." -Takeshi Oja
~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~
"Lord Takamori's traitorous former student, Setsuna, is training Mongol archers across Shizuyama. Lord Takamori posits that she plans on attacking Omi Springs, his hometown and a refuge for villagers. We should meet with Lord Takamori as soon as possible." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SORAE TALES ~~
"Sorae is on the hunt for Sogen, one of the conspirators behind her family's murder. To track him down, Sorae has asked us to speak with Ayu who may know where we can find him." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SHIZUKA (MERCHANT) TALES ~~
"One of the farms near Komatsu Bay looks like it's had some trouble. Someone should make sure the people there are all right." -Takeshi Oja
~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~
A villager woman remarked to the taskforce member as the latter passed by.
"You better watch out if you're passing Yabo Forest, yokai. It's haunted by angry spirits... Dead samurai, eager to spill blood."
"People go into the woods and never come out. Varjan and Shizuyaman alike! The bodies that turn up have all been killed by Shizuyaman blades..."
A peasant man eating barbecued meat on a stick was startled when the taskforce member approached. It appeared he has news.
"Yokai! You have to tell Lord Takeshi, there is another samurai noble who survived Sanjo Beach. His name is Lord Tonchiki. He's in his abode southeast of here. If you go see him, I'm sure he would join your cause."
"Err, maybe not. I guess you'll need Lord Takeshi himself to convince him."
A villager sitting on some stone steps in the temple stood up when the taskforce member approached.
"Yokai, I've heard of a small resistance group gathering in the Imahama Area. I believe they're headed by that shrine priestess that started a fight here not too long ago."
"They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not trained. Better take Lord Takeshi with you too or else it might be a fight again."
A peasant man warming his hands on a bonfire noticed the taskforce member passing by.
"Yokai, you must do something! It's Ayane's sake brewery in Imahama. That brewery is the pride of Shizuyama, but soon there will be none left. The Varjans are taking it by force."
~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~
"Dealing with these students of the Heavenly Strike was more difficult than we thought. They have already thrown back two of the taskforce. However, the yokai fought them separately and at different times, so perhaps a more cooperative approach would be more fruitful." -Takeshi Oja
"Of course, I've got no intention of causing any long-lasting or permanent damage, so don't worry. Just keep in mind that we can't keep playing nice with him."
"Yep, we can hold nothing back now." Iskah nodded at Vanessa's words, having no problem with the Dark Mage taking off the kid gloves. "Aun is very much aware what comes next after defeating a Lizardman so he'll definitely be resisting harder against us. The Incubus Knight won't go down easily, so we'll have to give him our best shot!" The Lizardman raised a tankard.
--- THAT NIGHT ---
Iskah paid for a two-bed room where she and Vanessa could stay the night. They will need plenty of rest if they were to take on a vigilant Incubus Knight the next day. However, their slumber was interrupted by noises in the night. Heavy steps fell on the roof of the inn, stirring Iskah and Vanessa awake. But the Lizardman snapped awake, for she also recognized the energies likely making the noises.
She sprang up and immediately went over to Vanessa, shaking the Dark Mage to fully awake her and explain what was happening. "Vanessa! Vanessa!" Despite the urgency, Iskah still used a hushed tone. "It's Aun! He's here! Something's wrong!"
Confident that Vanessa would follow, Iskah left the room and made her way to the inn doors. While also making sure to make as little noise as possible. No doubt the commotion was already waking people up, but Iskah was instinctually polite. Once out of the inn, the Lizardman quickly turned her gaze to the rooftops. Immediately, she spotted two silhouettes running across the city's rooftops; One chasing the other.
One of the silhouettes was too dark to recognize, but Iskah knew him to be Aun as his energy signature could not be mistaken. The other silhouette glowed a bit of orange as if she had embers stuck on her body. "Oh no. Katelyn..." Iskah muttered. Her rival Salamander was now here, and chasing her beloved Aun. "We've got to stop her and rescue Aun!" The Lizardman declared to Vanessa, whom she assumed was with her.
"Look at how your yokai 'friends' abandon you, boy! Gaze upon the 'integrity' of your allies!" Tetsuo bellowed a laugh at Takeshi when Dinah departed from the battle, also taking some members of the taskforce with her.
But the taunt only earned a cut to the arm from the focused Takeshi. "I'd focus more on the fight if I were you." Of course, the young lord was not unaffected by his companions turning tail but he had a duel to win. Perhaps the battle was lost, but he was not going to let Tetsuo enjoy that. The two continued fighting uninterrupted, their duel respected for now.
Gringor charged for the Iron Grinder leader. Other enemies moved to intercept him, but they were cut down by the deadly energy beams that Io fired from the magic circle behind her. The protective barrier she erected also blocked the first volley of arrows fired upon them from the archers on the second level. Fortunately, that first volley was all the archers could release for soon, Skarsneek was upon them.
The Iron Grinder leader, realizing that nothing was stopping Gringor anymore, braced for the High Orc's impact. Only to charge at the last moment, tower shield raised. With the shield, he threw Gringor over himself. With the High Orc on the ground, the Iron Grinder brought down his metal boot unto Gringor's chest to keep the monster from moving. He then reverse-gripped his sword, and readied to bring the blade down Gringor's head.
With the taskforce depleted for a moment, a legionnaire managed to reach Io. He lost his hammer from the Lich's earlier barrage and so, could only tackle her from behind and wrap his arms around her to disable her from casting anymore spells. They rolled across the dirt a bit, smashing a few of the planted swords. The legionnaire's strength was great, forcing Io to think of something else to escape the lock.
Skarsneek managed to eliminate most of the archers on the second level while another lightning strike knocked out all the rest. The elevated position gave him a good view of the battle. Takeshi was still dueling Tetsuo, while a couple of students watched them and ready to intervene on behalf of their master. Gringor was on the ground, with the Iron Grinder leader's boot on his chest and Io was captured by a legionnaire.
Shizuka was busy fighting most of the students, getting hit by the Heavenly Strike for every student he dispatched. Hinami and Atsuha were backed into a rocky corner by two of the Iron Grinder legionnaires, supported by several students. The fourth legionnaire was on the ground, killed instantly by the beams from Io.
The situation was grim... but fortunately, nothing really major occurred when Dinah, Liliana, Kerry and Eula returned.
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
(REQUIRES ALL PLAYER CHARACTERS)
"I finally have all that I need to rescue my father from the Varjans. The only thing missing now is where the invaders have him imprisoned. I'm coming for you, father. Just wait a little longer." -Takeshi Oja
~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~
"Lord Takamori's traitorous former student, Setsuna, is training Mongol archers across Shizuyama. Lord Takamori posits that she plans on attacking Omi Springs, his hometown and a refuge for villagers. We should meet with Lord Takamori as soon as possible." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SORAE TALES ~~
"Sorae is on the hunt for Sogen, one of the conspirators behind her family's murder. To track him down, Sorae has asked us to speak with Ayu who may know where we can find him." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SHIZUKA (MERCHANT) TALES ~~
"One of the farms near Komatsu Bay looks like it's had some trouble. Someone should make sure the people there are all right." -Takeshi Oja
~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~
A villager woman remarked to the taskforce member as the latter passed by.
"You better watch out if you're passing Yabo Forest, yokai. It's haunted by angry spirits... Dead samurai, eager to spill blood."
"People go into the woods and never come out. Varjan and Shizuyaman alike! The bodies that turn up have all been killed by Shizuyaman blades..."
A peasant man eating barbecued meat on a stick was startled when the taskforce member approached. It appeared he has news.
"Yokai! You have to tell Lord Takeshi, there is another samurai noble who survived Sanjo Beach. His name is Lord Tonchiki. He's in his abode southeast of here. If you go see him, I'm sure he would join your cause."
"Err, maybe not. I guess you'll need Lord Takeshi himself to convince him."
A villager sitting on some stone steps in the temple stood up when the taskforce member approached.
"Yokai, I've heard of a small resistance group gathering in the Imahama Area. I believe they're headed by that shrine priestess that started a fight here not too long ago."
"They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not trained. Better take Lord Takeshi with you too or else it might be a fight again."
A peasant man warming his hands on a bonfire noticed the taskforce member passing by.
"Yokai, you must do something! It's Ayane's sake brewery in Imahama. That brewery is the pride of Shizuyama, but soon there will be none left. The Varjans are taking it by force."
~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~
"Dealing with these students of the Heavenly Strike was more difficult than we thought. They have already thrown back two of the taskforce. However, the yokai fought them separately and at different times, so perhaps a more cooperative approach would be more fruitful." -Takeshi Oja
"Woah, woah... Slow down there, honey... You said... YOu said you fought and lost... And you're only now going to propose? I thought we came to the keep to get you your man, right here and now... But, now you're... Saying we'll have to do this all over agagin...?"
Before Iskah could answer, the two monsters' meals arrived. Two large dishes of assorted fishy delicacies, from classically fried ones to grilled ones with vegetables and seasonings stuffed in them. It didn't look like it, but Iskah seemed to have seafood as her preferred meal. The Lizardman can only hope that her Dark Mage companion shared her tastes.
But despite Iskah's mouth watering, she answered Vanessa first before even grabbing a utensil. "Well as you know, Lizardmen duel potential mates to gauge their strengths. If the Lizardman wins, that's that but if the potential mate wins, then he is the Lizardman's destined one and will propose marriage immediately." Iskah happily explained, even if this didn't really answer Vanessa's question. "And Lizardmen won't take 'no' for an answer, we'll keep bugging our destined mates until they say 'yes'."
"Like what happened to me!" Iskah continued, not a very good sign for the beleaguered Vanessa. "Buuuut, we're skipping all of that 'no' stuff and jumping straight to outright kidnapping him. I'm pretty sure he'll be adamant in his chastity until I introduce him to the pleasures of the flesh." The Lizardman finished. "I would've just taken him then and there... but he is the better fighter between us soooo, he managed to get away."
Finally grabbing a utensil, she said her last sentence before digging in. "Err, sorry if we have to do all that again. But I swear to you, this is the last mile, Vanessa! After we take him, we're home free and you'll have your reward!"
Iskah didn't seem intent on continuing her pursuit of Aun for the night. However, Vanessa can opt to go solo for the time being and nab The Incubus Knight once and for all.
"... I... Do not... But I'm... happy for you....? But I can't wait... To hear you tell me... All ... about it..."
"Oh gods! I forgot this is the first time you've been through this kind of thing!" Iskah quickly went over to be Vanessa's support in standing up, also revealing that this was probably a frequent occurrence for the Lizardman. "Have you removed the-- Oh, you have. That's good, that's good. You should be in recovery mode now." She continued. "Some rest and food should get you back to normal. Let me take you the tavern I usually go to when I get booted."
Iskah began to help Vanessa walk through the streets of Ortus. The human citizens could only spare some pitying glances at the two monsters, but Iskah was too happy to notice any of them. "The Lot Knights are pretty good at ejecting monsters from their premises, aren't they? I bet they could even keep out the powerful Sabbaths with those energy-draining spells of theirs!" She remarked with an encouraging laugh. "But we've done what we came for and that's all that matters."
The tavern was only half-occupied by patrons. It was too early in the day for the drunks to do what they do best in this establishment. For now, only travelers and early lunchgoers were present. None of them paid much attention to the newly-arrived Iskah and Vanessa. Upon finding a table, a large human woman in a chef's outfit immediately strolled up to them.
"Iskah! It's been a while since I last saw you. The usual?"
"Yeah. And make that two!"
After the porty waitress left with the order, Iskah turned her attention to her drained Dark Mage companion. "A full course meal should get you back in tip-top shape. And we can stay here until the next day if you want."
"As for me and Aun, he actually fought me! And he actually won! Do you know what that means?" Iskah beamed happily at Vanessa. "It means I am now duty-bound to propose to him and attempt to marry him by any means necessary. No more attempts at talking and convincing. We are now free to just nab him whenever we're ready." The Lizardman sighed contently. "Then when we accomplish that, I'm going to take him to bed and we're never gonna sleep for a week straight. Then I'll be pregnant with a strong child and he and I will raise him into a powerful warrior and then we'll..."
Takeshi readied to engage the rest of the band but the taskforce, at least most of them, was fast and thorough in their attack. He bore witness to their teamwork, noticing that Alice and her living weapon Carroll were pretty synchronous with Eula, Kerry and Liliana. The young lord was a little envious, and wondered if he could ever fight like that with his Shizuyaman friends.
He also witnessed how they used the Heavenly Strike technique. Observed how they did it.
"Surrender or face extinction. There is no other option."
When Eula and Carroll did their version of the Heavenly Strike technique, it went too fast for the legionnaire to block. The attack was fully successful, hitting the legionnaire's abdomen and making him stumble back from the blow. However, he was not out just yet and still held his war hammer. But the Automaton would not be his foe for now, since a rather masculine High Orc rushed after him.
Only for some regal-looking woman to interrupt the High Orc, even stealing the latter's axe, and attack herself. His armor was pierced, but it still managed to absorb the blow. The legionnaire noticed these monsters were using their versions of this Heavenly-whatever technique the collaborators used. No wonder they asked for legionnaire help and keep a lookout for the monsters.
"I offer you surrender, Varjan, and nothing else. Deny, and death is the only outcome. You are outgunned."
"Go ahead, buddy. Make your choice."
The legionnaire relaxed and released one of his hands from his weapon and let the latter stand, apparently surrendering. He used his free hand to remove his belt that contained bombs and gadgets for quick use during battle and tossed it in front of the unique Mad Hatter.
"That goes doubly to you, Takeshi-san! I know your skill with the blade is to be feared, but you make us worry all the same"
"Well, it all worked out in the end, didn't it?" Takeshi laughed. Truth be told, he lost count on how many times he already had been scolded by Atsuha. Perhaps she felt a bit maternal towards him after rescuing him in Sanjo Beach. "I'm not even sure if we were needed in this fight. It really looks Alice and her gang have this in the bag!"
He then looked back at the surrendering legionnaire, and noticed that the Varjan was not... that relaxed. He also recognized the legionnaire belonging to the Iron Grinders, masters of siege warfare. They knew how to breach castles and fortresses, but they also knew how to take them without attacking walls. Infiltration and baiting strategies.
"Alice and Carroll, I suppose I shouldn't expect anything less from you. Well done, both of you. Now, the question remains, what to do with our new friend here. Do you have anything thing in mind, Takeshi-Dono? I also agree with Alice and Kerry in that the master of this technique is something that should be treated with our full attention. If possible, I'd like to be the one to face him. Especially since most of our members have just got through fighting."
"Very well. I shall let you face him." The young lord accepted Shizuka's request. "Buuuut someone of his caliber would probably rather claim my head, the heir apparent, than a relative stranger's, no?" He then quickly apologized. "Err, no offense."
His gaze was still fixed at the legionnaire. The Varjan's posture was still tense and ready to move. This was no surrender.
"Hey! If you want someone to interrogate him, I vote my Big Sis! She can use various toxin and her own natural poison to coax stuff outta him, plus she can get really mean toward jerks like the Varjans!"
Takeshi warned his allies. "Wait, I don't think he's--"
*POP*
A thick red smoke started emanating from the legionnaire's belt. It wafted upwards quickly, reaching the heights that birds usually fly. From somewhere in the distance, burning boulders were launched and heading towards... the taskforce's position!
"Take cover!" Takeshi yelled at his taskforce allies.
*CRASH*
Flaming artillery rained on the area, but their impacts and fire were mitigated by the stormy weather. Still, it did its job scattering and disorienting the taskforce who were forced to dodge the shots. However, the same could not be said for the unconscious Varjans and technique students who were claimed by their own side's siege weaponry whether through impact or through flame.
The legionnaire took this opportunity to escape, running towards the wilderness. Takeshi immediately noticed, but had a plan. "Chase him! But don't catch him! Let's see where he goes!" The young lord ordered as he started the 'chase'.
The rain poured as thunder roared in the sky. Dark, gray clouds blocked out the sun, almost drowning the world in darkness. The winds blew fiercely now, trees and leaves danced as they howled. But none of these deterred Takeshi from 'chasing' the Iron Grinder. Did the young lord ever consider that he was following the legionnaire into a trap? Perhaps, but Takeshi hardly cared. His goal was to end this menace once and for all, and he would step in as many traps as needed.
The 'chase' ended when the Iron Grinder reached the base of a steep, two-leveled plateau covered by a row of natural rock formations. The legionnaire's boots glowed with orange-hued magic as he leapt up, jumping over the rocky wall and disappearing behind it. Still undeterred and not waiting for the taskforce to offer help, Takeshi began to scale the cliff face quite deftly. Identifying which ledges he needed to grab, Takeshi was soon at the first level and facing the rocky wall.
There was a slit in the rock formation big enough for the young lord as well as the biggest of the taskforce to fit through. Of course, those capable of flight need not enter through the tiny entrance. Takeshi was the first one through and was greeted by a pleasant scenery: The entire first level of the plateau was some sort of shrine-garden. Two large, rectangular stone pillars with inscriptions engraved on them stood on each side of the small dirt path, serving as a welcome everyone who entered this sacred place. Beyond the pillars was a pool of water, constantly refreshed by the natural stream that flowed out of this elevated landform.
The most striking sight in this place was the huge amount of katanas embedded on every patch of soil that wasn't the path. They were not clear at first, almost blending in with the grasses that stood beside them. From Katsuhiro's tale, this was probably Kenshiro's Rest.
What was not pleasant, however, was the row of Varjan bowmen standing at the edge of the second level, overlooking the first. And populating the first level was a whole mixed unit of legionnaires and Heavenly Strike students. There were about four of the Iron Grinders, including the one the taskforce was chasing. And yet, he was not the apparent leader of the legionnaires. The one with the mouthguard and the sword and shield seemed to be the one in charge.
But all held their weapons and allowed one of the students to approach Takeshi. Only, this one didn't feel like a student despite looking like his fellow swordsmen. He confidently strode towards the young lord and the latter soon recognized who this Shizuyaman traitor was.
"Tetsuo Okinaga. The butcher of the Ichimonji Rebellion." Takeshi crossed his arms. The normally-outspoken heir was replaced by a stoic but seething warrior. "I see time hasn't changed you."
"You were a child when Ichimonji burned, boy." Tetsuo replied. "For ten years, I dreamed of cutting Lord Oja to the bone."
"You won't live long enough to face him." Takeshi finished the 'pleasantries'.
Tetsuo smirked as he drew his sword. "I've mastered the legendary attack, and the Varjans are willing to reward me for sharing it with them."
Takeshi unsheathed his sword and poised to attack--
*BOOM*
A sudden and unexpected lightning struck a section of the second level's ledge, sending that section tumbling down along with a few of the archers while leaving the rest stunned silent. Even Takeshi, and probably the taskforce, was surprised. Tetsuo returned his glare at Takeshi and pointed his sword at the young lord. "Yokai devilry! I should've known than to expect honor from one as corrupted as you!"
Tetsuo disappeared and reappeared behind Takeshi, leaving a nasty slash wound on the young lord. The two then locked swords and dueled, Shizuka's wishes unfulfilled.
The Iron Grinders charged forward with their two-handed hammers while their leader stayed back for now. The Heavenly Strike students followed closely behind, appearing to be taking cover behind their armored Varjan allies. The remainder of the Footmen archers started loosing arrows at the taskforce too as lightning continued to strike at the battlefield's vicinities, setting fire to the grasses in the plateau.
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
(REQUIRES ALL PLAYER CHARACTERS)
"I finally have all that I need to rescue my father from the Varjans. The only thing missing now is where the invaders have him imprisoned. I'm coming for you, father. Just wait a little longer." -Takeshi Oja
~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~
"Lord Takamori's traitorous former student, Setsuna, is training Mongol archers across Shizuyama. Lord Takamori posits that she plans on attacking Omi Springs, his hometown and a refuge for villagers. We should meet with Lord Takamori as soon as possible." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SORAE TALES ~~
"Sorae is on the hunt for Sogen, one of the conspirators behind her family's murder. To track him down, Sorae has asked us to speak with Ayu who may know where we can find him." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SHIZUKA (MERCHANT) TALES ~~
"One of the farms near Komatsu Bay looks like it's had some trouble. Someone should make sure the people there are all right." -Takeshi Oja
~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~
A villager woman remarked to the taskforce member as the latter passed by.
"You better watch out if you're passing Yabo Forest, yokai. It's haunted by angry spirits... Dead samurai, eager to spill blood."
"People go into the woods and never come out. Varjan and Shizuyaman alike! The bodies that turn up have all been killed by Shizuyaman blades..."
A peasant man eating barbecued meat on a stick was startled when the taskforce member approached. It appeared he has news.
"Yokai! You have to tell Lord Takeshi, there is another samurai noble who survived Sanjo Beach. His name is Lord Tonchiki. He's in his abode southeast of here. If you go see him, I'm sure he would join your cause."
"Err, maybe not. I guess you'll need Lord Takeshi himself to convince him."
A villager sitting on some stone steps in the temple stood up when the taskforce member approached.
"Yokai, I've heard of a small resistance group gathering in the Imahama Area. I believe they're headed by that shrine priestess that started a fight here not too long ago."
"They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not trained. Better take Lord Takeshi with you too or else it might be a fight again."
A peasant man warming his hands on a bonfire noticed the taskforce member passing by.
"Yokai, you must do something! It's Ayane's sake brewery in Imahama. That brewery is the pride of Shizuyama, but soon there will be none left. The Varjans are taking it by force."
~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~
"Dealing with these students of the Heavenly Strike was more difficult than we thought. They have already thrown back two of the taskforce. However, the yokai fought them separately and at different times, so perhaps a more cooperative approach would be more fruitful." -Takeshi Oja
The cowled knight wailed while the onmyoji knight was taken by surprise, quickly slipping into his ass as he continued sliding towards Vanessa. He dropped his weapons and the floating talismans fell as he slid and seemed to be out for the count as he slid harmlessly past the Dark Mage.
But then, Vanessa felt a slap on her butt. It appeared the onmyoji knight had a parting gesture as he slid past the Dark Mage. Upon looking, Vanessa found a paper talisman sticking on the butt cheek the knight slapped. The writings on it quickly glowed purple and Vanessa found herself quickly drained of magic and energy. So much so that she found herself unable to even stand up and could barely keep consciousness. And just like that, the Lot Knights prevailed over Vanessa the Dark Mage.
The cowled knight immediately went up to Vanessa using his saber to keep himself standing up from all the grease. "You! Once you get better, you better summon a whole pile of gold bars for everything you've done here!" He began ripping onto Vanessa.
But then, a sullen Aun appeared from behind him. "...I'll pay for all the damages she made." He said, placing a hand on the cowled knight's shoulder. "I'll also help Sir Cleans clear all of this up."
"Inky, come on. Can't we have this one? This is the fourth time this month." The cowled knight retorted.
The Incubus Knight tapped the shoulder a couple of times, a sign that he was brooking no argument. With a sigh, the cowled knight walked away. Aun then crouched to address the weakened Vanessa. "Iskah's waiting outside. We'll escort you to her. Boys, let's give her the Inky Farewell Ceremony!" Aun motioned for the other Lot Knights present to join him who replied with cheer.
Vanessa then felt a pair of hands grab each of her limb and she was lifted up. The onmyoji knight who achieved victory over her appeared before her and threw five talismans on the greasy floor. The papers didn't touch the floor, merely floating an inch above it. Blue magical energy emitted from them, connecting to one another until the circular center became completely blue. A teleportation portal. "HEAVE! HO!"
The Lot Knights tossed Vanessa into the portal.
Vanessa was deposited outside Wayland Keep, near where she and Iskah first became invisible to infiltrate the castle. Her Lizardman client was there, sitting sullenly on the street. "Vanessa... Do you know what happened?" Based on her voice, probably not anything good. Right? "Aun... FOUGHT ME! HE FOUGHT ME! YES!" Iskah exploded with happiness, laughing in triumph and seemingly caring little that Vanessa had just been defeated by the Lot Knights.
Before Gringor and Skarsneek could come to blows, Takeshi Oja came between them while holding two bowls of hot peppered rice with sunny-side egg on top. The freshly-cooked dish's scent quickly invaded the two male monsters' noses, inviting them to let go of everything else and simply finish the bowl down to the last grain of rice. A deliberate defusing tactic by the young lord.
"Come on, now. It's too early in the morning for this!" Takeshi complained to Gringor and Skarsneek. "Why not just eat breakfast first before we do any sort of fighting?"
Once the bowls were accepted, Takeshi had a third serving prepared for Io. "Hey, Io! It's been a while since I saw you. Not sure if undead like you needs to eat but surely eating for the taste and the satisfaction is a thing for the undead, right?" He offered the rice bowl to the Lich, also revealing his lack of knowledge for the necromantic race. "Also, were you hoping these two would fight?"
Once breakfast was over, the entirety of the taskforce assembled to finally move against the traitorous students of the Heavenly Strike technique. Takeshi Oja came with them, partly because these students were formidable warriors so the taskforce will need every capable fighter they can muster and partly because Takeshi himself wanted to see this technique for himself.
"I... suppose we should first get information on where Kenshiro's Rest, huh?" Takeshi told the taskforce, scratching the back of his head. Since the area was supposed to be a secret, getting the location might prove a tad difficult.
"An interrogation of a student should suffice." Revuel piped in. "A small Varjan warband was sighted to the north, not far from here. They were seen with Shizuyaman bladesmen in... Haori and hakama. Yeah, those were the words. Those might be some Heavenly Strike students you can capture and question."
"Many thanks, Sir Revuel." Takeshi bowed at the spellcaster. "Alright, let's move out."
The taskforce along with Takeshi traveled northward from Terauchi Temple, following a dirt path. The drizzle earlier had now become light rain and the winds began to howl. The soil around the group had become moist, but not yet enough to become outright mud. The occasional breeze could bring chill to the exposed, but Takeshi did not seem to be affected despite wearing relatively light clothing.
This band of invaders seemed to have just finished slaughtering a small caravan of refugees and were currently helping themselves to whatever meager loot was in the refugees' cart. The sight of the villagers' dead bodies strewn about incensed Takeshi into a tranquil fury. The young lord strode towards the warband head-on, ignoring any plans-of-attack the taskforce would put suggest. His approach did not go unnoticed, and the warband readied their arms.
"So it's true. The young Oja has thrown his lot with the yokai." One of the students faced Takeshi.
"And you have thrown yours with Varjan invaders." Takeshi shot back.
"You and your father are foolish for resisting the Varjans. You readily lead Shizuyama's people into the arms of the yokai. Into depravity and debauchery." The student responded. "The Varjans ask for so little and in return, they gladly help us protect the island from those infernal beasts you now call friends."
Takeshi motioned at the villagers' corpses. "Is that what you call protection?"
The student shrugged. "They were heading for Terauchi Temple, seeking 'refuge' under the yokai. Joining the beasts can only be punished with death... as dictated by the laws your clan made. Laws that you are--"
"Enough!" Takeshi put his hand on the hilt of his sword and began walking towards the student. "Fight me..."
"Hmph." The student drew his sword and approached too, before suddenly disappearing.
*SLASH*
The student reappeared behind Takeshi... and had a gaping gash on his neck. He dropped his sword and clutched his wound, staring wide-eyed at the taskforce in disbelief. He coughed up blood before collapsing into the ground. Takeshi, meanwhile, had his sword drawn out - a bit wet with the student's blood. The young lord, by virtue of being unscathed, knew he was the victor of that standoff and spared no glances at his defeated opponent.
The warband was taken by surprise at the legendary technique's defeat. But when Takeshi charged them, the legionnaire raised his hammer and released a war cry that rallied the warband back into battle.
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
(REQUIRES ALL PLAYER CHARACTERS)
"I finally have all that I need to rescue my father from the Varjans. The only thing missing now is where the invaders have him imprisoned. I'm coming for you, father. Just wait a little longer." -Takeshi Oja
~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~
"Lord Takamori's traitorous former student, Setsuna, is training Mongol archers across Shizuyama. Lord Takamori posits that she plans on attacking Omi Springs, his hometown and a refuge for villagers. We should meet with Lord Takamori as soon as possible." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SORAE TALES ~~
"Sorae is on the hunt for Sogen, one of the conspirators behind her family's murder. To track him down, Sorae has asked us to speak with Ayu who may know where we can find him." -Takeshi Oja
~~ SHIZUKA (MERCHANT) TALES ~~
"One of the farms near Komatsu Bay looks like it's had some trouble. Someone should make sure the people there are all right." -Takeshi Oja
~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~
A villager woman remarked to the taskforce member as the latter passed by.
"You better watch out if you're passing Yabo Forest, yokai. It's haunted by angry spirits... Dead samurai, eager to spill blood."
"People go into the woods and never come out. Varjan and Shizuyaman alike! The bodies that turn up have all been killed by Shizuyaman blades..."
A peasant man eating barbecued meat on a stick was startled when the taskforce member approached. It appeared he has news.
"Yokai! You have to tell Lord Takeshi, there is another samurai noble who survived Sanjo Beach. His name is Lord Tonchiki. He's in his abode southeast of here. If you go see him, I'm sure he would join your cause."
"Err, maybe not. I guess you'll need Lord Takeshi himself to convince him."
A villager sitting on some stone steps in the temple stood up when the taskforce member approached.
"Yokai, I've heard of a small resistance group gathering in the Imahama Area. I believe they're headed by that shrine priestess that started a fight here not too long ago."
"They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not trained. Better take Lord Takeshi with you too or else it might be a fight again."
A peasant man warming his hands on a bonfire noticed the taskforce member passing by.
"Yokai, you must do something! It's Ayane's sake brewery in Imahama. That brewery is the pride of Shizuyama, but soon there will be none left. The Varjans are taking it by force."
~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~
"Dealing with these students of the Heavenly Strike was more difficult than we thought. They have already thrown back two of the taskforce. However, the yokai fought them separately and at different times, so perhaps a more cooperative approach would be more fruitful." -Takeshi Oja
The knights all raised their arms to cover their heads from the strong gales of Vanessa's wind magic. The cowled knight, upon seeing the tables and chairs and benches get flung all around the mess hall, could only cry out. "Nooooo! I just had those fixed!"
While the other knights were soon blown away by the winds, the onmyoji knight spread out five pieces of talismans in front of him. Despite being mere paper, the talismans floated firmly in the face of the gale and protected their caster from the winds while not being blown away themselves. He then slammed a sixth talisman on the wooden floor which unleashed a shockwave that dispelled magic. His floating talismans lost their magic because of it, but it also stopped Vanessa's magical gale.
Without missing a beat, the onmyoji knight drew his katana and released three more talismans to the air. These three talismans then began circling him, awaiting their master's command to be activated and Vanessa could sense binding magic from these papers. The onmyoji knight then charged at the Dark Mage. He definitely had a plan in mind besides mindlessly attacking the Dark Mage head-on.
The other knights, meanwhile, watched their Zipanguese compatriot fight while hiding behind the fallen tables. "Get her, Writes! Make her pay for all the damaged furniture!" The cowled knight cheered.
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