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"... 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.
While it was true that a path to power was the only thing Einer sought in the Eon Tower, a different route to his room chanced Einer to the Tower’s greenhouse. The door was open, and the musician caught a glimpse of the verdant greenery within. It reminded Einer of the family garden back home. Tending to the flowers and the herbs was a welcome distraction to his shortcomings. The ingredients that the garden provided also helped Einer with his dishes.
His curiosity piqued, Einer decided to take a little detour from his room and into the Eon Tower greenhouse. Not out of pursuit of power, but of genuine curiosity stemming from happier days.
Einer would walk within the greenhouse for a moment until he heard a distinct humming sound. Happening upon an office, the wayward noble would see Bellum packing away as she prepared for the summit at Cambridge. It appeared that she hadn’t noticed him come in yet, but just as Einer was about to announce his arrival, he heard a familiar voice call out to him.
”Young son of House Devaron, I trust you’ve adjusted to life here well enough?”
Inquisitor Grisha had also made his way to the botanist’s office, making his rounds as part of the inspection.
”I had gotten to speak with the third son of the Wyland house as well, and I must say I was left with a rather strong impression of his character. In that regard, I am as well somewhat curious of your circumstances…”
“Bwuh?!” Einer almost jumped from surprise. Of all the people he could run into, it was the Inquisitor from the Church. The musician had to wonder, must his rotten luck follow him everywhere? “Inquisitor Grisha. I must admit, you startled the daylights out of me.”
Einer then cleared his throat to compose himself, using those precious few seconds to formulate an act and falsehoods should this Inquisitor pry. “So you have met Hector. A promising lad with one of those ‘gun’ weapons. I am not surprised that you found him noteworthy.”
“But you are here wondering about me, as you said. How may I satisfy your curiosity, Inquisitor?”
”I suppose the expected question, and most direct one, is to ask what made you abandon the capital and purse strength in a rogue band of magus.” Grisha said. ”Perhaps you’ve a similar tail as Sir Hector, seeking glory for your house?”
”Oh, howdy you two!” Rang a cheery voice. Bellum had finally realized that the two nobles had entered her atelier. ”Grisha, yer still as overbearing and charmless as you can be. I’ve told you about that.”
Grisha stared back in her direction, and seemed to make a small groan while shooting her a look. ”Bellum, I see you’re still as loud and belligerent as ever. I see your plants have been flourishing.”
Bellum squinted with a sharp smile, placing her hands on her hips.
”Of course, you’ll find my atelier is in tip-top form, Mr. Inspector.”
Einer would sense a strange tension between Grisha and Bellum, but it was different than what he felt when she engaged Childes.
“Ahem.” Einer cleared his throat to break the tension. He was still unnerved at how the inquisitor knew of his pursuit of power. Einer had not told anyone exactly on why he left. Fortunately, Bellum’s appearance shifted the talk and gave the musician some breathing space to form his response.
“It seems you two are already… familiarly acquainted.” Einer remarked on Bellum and Grisha’s ‘friendship’. “Let me introduce myself first to the lovely madam known as Bellum; I am Einer Devaron. One of the new Reavers of your Eon Tower. A pleasure to meet you.” The bard bowed at the botanist. “Your garden piqued my interest since it reminded me of my own back home.”
Einer then addressed Grisha. “Speaking of home, you are correct that I have indeed left the capital to improve the Devaron name. However, I am not exactly seeking power. I am, unfortunately, impotent in matters of combat regardless of my efforts so such ventures are a waste of my time.” Einer seemed to believe his own outright lies.
”Well by the stars! I certainly consider it a great honor to have my little garden compared to the estate of a noble house! Aren’t you just the sweetest thing!” Bellum said cheerfully.
”Indeed. She did always have a green thumb.” Grisha said. ”Your pilgrimage is understandable, it’s what most in your position would undertake. The same could be said of Sir Wyland. But…” He looked Einer dead in his eyes.
”You say you’ve given up on pursuing strength, yet you join with perhaps the strongest magus of the current generation? I can’t help but feel there’s a bit of context to be examined…”
Inquisitor Grisha’s precise and relentless questioning irked Einer and was starting to get on the bard’s nerves. Nevertheless, Einer maintained composure under Grisha’s pressuring eyes. “What context needs to be examined? I joined these strong magi as their stalwart support. I am a healer and warder of curses. While it is true that my fellow Reavers have their ways to mend wounds and dispel debilitating spells, it is not exactly efficient since they could be doing more important tasks in combat. And that is where I come in.”
“Granted, it is not the flashiest nor most recognized role so it would be difficult to make a name for myself doing it, but these are my powers. I can do little but accept that.” The exasperation was making Einer’s mask slip. “Does that answer satisfy you, Inquisitor?”
”Heh, it does boy.” Grisha replied with a smirk. ”Be at ease, it’s all business after all. In order to ensure relations between our respective factions remain stable, I need to have a good grasp of the way each of your minds work.”
”Ain’t no excuse to give the boy a hard time, Pensworth!” Bellum boomed. ”Now are we goin’ to do this or not?”
With a small sigh and a light chuckle, Grisha turned his attention to the Bog Witch and followed her into the inner workings of her atelier. ”Lead the way, Bog Witch.”
”I’ll you just like I tell Childes. You. Do. Not. Call. Me. That.” Bellum snapped ominously.
Their banter aside, Einer would perhaps sense an unnatural essence emanating from the plants further in. He would likely know this feeling, one that always made a person’s stomach sink. The disgusting aura of miasma was coming from somewhere within the atelier. Perhaps he would be inclined to investigate further?
But he did not do so immediately, Einer cocked an eyebrow first at the aura of the dreaded miasma. “Pardon my interruption, Sir and Madam, but… I feel something in the air.” The bard told Grisha and Bellum. “Something… quite vile. At least, something I was told was quite vile.”
Grisha looked at Einer, then at Bellum.
”Oh! He’s probably talking about my miasma plants. They’re just some samples I keep for study. Under careful isolation o’course!” Bellum replied.
”I would hope so.” Grisha said. ”I imagine you study them as a means of understanding how to better counteract its effects in advanced cases. Would I also be correct in presuming you’re working with Elaine in tandem?”
”You are correct, Mr. Inquisitor!”
”Decent to know you seem to have a solid grasp on things.” Grisha said, before he turned back to Einer. ”If you didn’t mind, Devaron, I was still curious about something. Earlier, in the way you spoke, it almost seemed like you have some type of lingering resentment toward your abilities. Does having the Light’s blessing and a Spectral voice not suffice for you? ”
Einer thought the presence of Miasma plants would be more concerning to a member of the church, but it appeared there was a deep pseudo-trust between the Inquisitor and this Tower. If only the same could be applied to the bard. “Wha– Lies and slander!” Einer cried out in false offense. “I am nothing but thankful for the abilities generously granted to me by the Light. Any resentment, if present at all, is something personal and should be dismissed immediately at all times.” The bard doubled down on his lies. “You may be Inquisitor of the Church, but don’t think I will not contact your superiors for your rather rude and uncouth behavior!”
“And what’s this about a ‘Spectral voice’? I cannot talk to specters or spirits if that’s what you mean.” Einer wondered if Grisha was talking about his Galdr abilities. If so, then Einer would be disturbed as to how Grisha knew about this. And second, Einer wasn’t interested in talking about it.
”Inquisitor Grisha! I said no to upset the poor boy!” Bellum quickly exclaimed.
”If he’s upset at simple questions, then there’s something that he himself needs to address.” He responded adamantly, taking note of the boy’s expression at the mention of his Galdr abilities.
”You say one thing, but your face says another. But, enough of that. I do think I’m satisfied with what Ms. Hawke has shown me today. Her agricultural research seems to be coming along nicely, and she appears to be containing these miasma-infected plants with complete efficiency - as they should be.” He said, making his way for the exit. Before walking out the door, he turned back at Einer.
”Young Devaron, whether you serve the Church, the Association, or even just your own interests, one of the most important things to have is a sense of honesty. If you can’t even follow something as simple as that, it will eventually put you at odds with those you ally with. That or you’ll lose sight of what you wanted in the first place. Good day.”
With that, he left the Garden Witch’s office, leaving Einer alone with Bellum.
”I’m sorry for that honey!” She said, putting a gentle hand on Einer’s shoulder. ”That man can be so caught up in his word, he tends to get inconsiderate, I swear!”
Einer was quite upset at the inquisitor’s intrusive interaction, but the hand from Bellum calmed the bard somewhat. “...Are all inquisitors from the Church like that? I suppose not, the other inquisitors I’ve met back home were… more pleasant.” Einer exhaled, returning to politeness. “My deepest gratitudes for sticking up for me, Miss Bellum. I appreciate it.”
The bard then sighed again. “I would have loved to speak more about your garden but I’m afraid Inquisitor Grisha has soured my mood and taken up my free time.” Einer lamented. “Still, I am glad to have met you, Miss Bellum, and be assured that I will pay you a visit soon so that we may have a proper conversation.”
“I must ask though, how have you been permitted to care for Miasma-laden plants? I imagine there is quite the story behind that.” Einer finished.
”Goodness! Well, yes indeed! I’ve approval from just about everywhere to care for these little buggers.” Bellum replied to the wayward noble. ”Y’see, Mr. Einer, it’s no surprise that miasma causes terror for most folks, and Mother Nature’s no expectation to that!”
”Plants become monstrous, vegetation withers, and lands become infertile. It’s downright awful! As something of a botanist myself, I’m currently studying ways to improve plant life’s resistance to the effects of the rot and maybe even give them a fighting chance against it. Thanks to that silly boy Arteus, my research has finally started to gain some traction!”
Bellum noticed that Einer still didn’t look very happy, no thanks to a certain inquisitor. She pondered for a moment, then perked up as something finally came to her. ”Just sit right there, Mr. Einer, and I’ll be right back!” She hymned.
She rummaged through her inner office for a little bit, eventually coming back out with a curious vial that held a strange plant in it.
”Go on and take it, I insist!” Bellum said. ”I’m just a tad bit proud of this one! It’s a special plant imbued with mana that responds to its wielder’s sorcery, and can improve the effects of your spellcastin’. It can even protect ya in a pinch!” She said. ”That should help ya in case anything jumps off in Cambridge: you can never be too sure with these church folk always fussing around.”
With Einer deciding that he would rather spend the rest of his time alone while awaiting the trip to Cambridge, he would depart Bellum’s office with a unique item that would hopefully prove useful to him in the coming days.
Einer spent the rest of his free time in his room, observing the plant that Bellum gifted him. He wondered how exactly this little herb could help or defend him. Perhaps it was just as she said, enhancing his healing magics as long as it was around like a catalyst. With a sigh, the bard stashed the vial into the many pockets of his outfit. What better way to find out something's abilities than to take it to the field?
After the group had assembled, Arteus cast his spell teleportation spell. This wasn't Einer's first time with a teleportation spell, but it certainly wasn't something ubiquitous back home. Besides that, Arteus' spell had more... purple than what Einer was used to. Nevertheless, the spell went without a hitch and they were no longer in the Eon Tower.
Einer had never been to Cambridge, so all these banners on the stone pillars were new to him. The crests and the symbols were unknown to him as well. However, the mood in this place seemed a bit tense. Einer noticed personnel scurrying about frantically, but the group moved normally as if nothing was wrong. Of course, that didn't last long.
A crisis outside demanded the attention of the Church officials, leaving Alexandra to herd the Eon Tower into a large room to either await further orders or simply wait until the situation was dealt with. Some other magus also joined them, but Einer found himself staring at the ceiling while sitting on one of the sofas. He had immediately felt something darkly familiar when they arrived here. He thought it was nothing, but the news that someone had died made Einer believe that things seemed to be more serious than they appeared.
"I sense... Miasma in the air." Einer mused to everyone who could hear him mutter.
The flash of light blinded all the knights in the room, everyone except Aun who managed to cover his eyes just in time. Almost as if he was aware of the magical insect the entire time.
"You're coming with me~"
As the other Lot Knights recovered, the Incubus Knight faced Vanessa alone. His helmet concealed his face, but the Dark Mage could feel his intense gaze at her. "This isn't amusing anymore, Vanessa." He said to her, humor absent in his tone. "I'm off to a mission far away from here. Somewhere full of danger. Please, I'm begging you. Just take Iskah away from here and find her another man. There's plenty out there." He tried reasoning, nay, begging the Dark Mage. "If not for your sake, then for Iskah's."
Upon getting their bearings, the other Lot Knights pulled out their pistols and aimed at Vanessa. The cowled knight asked first. "Another suitress, Inky?"
"Working for one. You remember the Lizardman Iskah?" The Incubus Knight replied. "She managed to hire a helper for her... cause."
"Then pay her off then. Double the price! How much is she working for anyway?" The cowled knight cried out.
"I already tried. She was furious at the offer." Aun recounted his and Vanessa's earlier talk. "She's an honorable Dark Mage."
The cowled knight was in disbelief. "That's... a first. Never thought I'd ever meet one."
"Neither did I-- Huh?!" Aun was suddenly lifted into the air, seemingly by telepathy but it appeared the still-invisible Iskah has opted to simply seize her target and hightail it out of there. It was a testament to Iskah's strength that she could lift a fully-grown knight in full armor seemingly without effort. "Iskah! What are you--"
*CRASH*
The invisible Iskah and the still-shocked Aun hurtled out of one of the windows in the mess hall, leaving Vanessa with the other flabbergasted Lot Knights who were still aiming at the Dark Mage. "S-Shouldn't we be going after Sir Incubus?" Sir Dreams asked. "Or, you know, fighting this Vanessa woman now?"
"We're not exactly equipped to fight a monster." Sir Dances replied. "I mean, these pistols will hurt but only if the bullets manage to hit her, and we each only got one shot."
The cowled knight released an audible sigh. "I'm glad you two are polite enough to explain all that to her--"
*SLAM*
The doors to the mess hall slammed open and in came a very peculiar knight: This person wore the clothes of a Zipanguese onmyoji but wore a very knightly great helm. He pulled out a paper talisman, like the ones that Vanessa purchased from Rie, and accurately hurled it at the Dark Mage. Vanessa could feel powerful magic from the small piece of paper. It might be best not to get hit by any of those.
Vanessa and Iskah infiltrate Wayland Keep, with the small conjured insect guiding the latter towards its master all the way. The keep was a spacious castle with most of its residents being fully-armored Lot Knights. Despite being in their homebase and in a state of relative relaxation, all the knights the two monsters saw were wearing helmets. Vanessa would notice that each knight seemingly has his own unique helmet. Iskah wanted to explain more about the Lot Knights to her Dark Mage companion, but their stealth required silence.
The wards inside Wayland Keep were surprisingly simple and easy for Vanessa to bypass, disable or modify them. A little too easy, in fact. Perhaps these wards and detectors served another purpose other than keeping out monsters? Iskah was no mage, and so was of little help in this regard and completely dependent on Vanessa for these 'obstacles'.
The two monsters soon reach Aun's position. They were in the keep's rather huge mess hall, sunlight shining from the windows but the ceiling chandeliers were lit still, but only Aun and a handful of other knights were present. Aun, like the other knights, was wearing his helm - a maned Corinthian helmet - that completely concealed his head. If it wasn't for his energy signature, he would have been completely unrecognizable.
"...So is everything clear?" One of the seven Lot Knights present said, addressing the rest of the six. He wore a brown cowl that concealed his head into shadow and he spoke with an accent like those from the snowy steppes.
One of the knights raised his hand, a knight with a unique helmet reminiscent of those Caliphates in the East. "So it's just us three? Me, Dreams and Inky? No spellcaster on us?" Iskah perked up at the mention of 'Inky', Aun's name in the order.
"We have no reason to believe the enemy forces near there have any heavy spellcasters. Still, Sir Inky is capable of handling anything magical should the situation arise." The cowled knight replied.
"Ohhh, this is gonna be like those times there were three of us, Dance." The knight named Dreams immediately began to reminisce about the aforementioned times. While the conversation wasn't exactly over. This knight had a simpler helmet, yet still unique in the room.
Aun, meanwhile, stayed silent as he contemplated the mission given to him. Iskah, too, was silent, wanting to hear more about this mission. Vanessa can join in listening in too, the Lot Knights in this meeting seem oblivious to the two monsters' presence. But so far, it appeared Aun the Incubus Knight would be going somewhere if he wasn't nabbed today.
"I have a sneaking suspicion they're trying to eliminate two birds with one stone. Kazenosuke, one of the most skilled fighters in the land, and three monsters that had just exhausted him. Strategically speaking, killing us all now while we're exhausted cleans things up nicely, Oh, and, if these are Varjans, I will have to remind you that you were indifferent to those who'd have a knife at your back at the earliest convenience."
Kazenosuke was not swayed by Zeka's or Vară's words, but Vivian's assumptions elicited a reaction out of him. "Pfffft... Bahahahahahaha!" He laughed out loud.
The dancing swordsman waved a free hand, and all the crows that perched in the surrounding trees flew away to resume their lives. "Unfortunately, no Varjan I know can do what I can." Kazenosuke allowed the three yokai a moment to realize he had power over the black-plumed avians. "But they have their own ways in wielding animals in combat. Good old-fashioned training, which I suppose makes them better than me."
With the crows all gone, the exhausted Kazenosuke leaned back into the wooden wall of his abode. "Alright, alright. You girls win, I give up." He surrendered, tiredly sheathing his blade.
Kazenosuke closed his eyes before raising a finger at the yokai. "You girls fought pretty hard. You fought to win. I could feel all that in our spar." The dancing swordsman surmised. "But what I can't figure out is why? Why fight this hard for an island with no yokai and whose denizens hate you? You three could be out there living... I don't know, peaceful lives literally anywhere else." Kazenosuke was almost complaining in the taskforce's behalf. "...There are no riches here. Nor is the island strategic, I think. Yokai only come here for men, and I can feel that none of you are particularly looking."
"And you three do realize that no matter what he says, Takeshi can just stab you in the backs once the Varjans are vanquished. Right?" The swordsman finished. "You have to know that. None of you are stupid."
"Okay! So, Lord Takeshi has gotten help from Lady Kyouko, who's sent monsters from Zipangu like me, and others from other places here to help you all out. I think its because nobody wants Varjo to have a big foothold out here,"
"Lord Takeshi... willingly collaborating with yokai." The shinobi girl remarked darkly. "Grim tidings..."
"...So anyways, I'm just super glad that I found you! Takeshi said there was a whole other wave of Shinobi that might be with you, so...are they also hiding out here in the forest? Takeshi can use all the help you can provide!"
"Indeed, there are still many of us. Lord Hideo, Lord Takeshi's father, actually ordered all of us to try and find a way to pass through the Varjan blockade to get help." Kageho suddenly stopped to correct herself. "Human help. We were to keep sending out operatives until someone succeeded or all of us died. It was Lord Takeshi who rescinded the order behind his father's back, instead ordering us to simply hide and fortify what we can."
"I thought it was a mercy from Lord Takeshi, but now I suspect darker motives if he sought help from yokai..." It appeared Matsuri's phrasing had caused a misunderstanding in Kageho's mind.
"...I cannot promise aid, but I will meet with Takeshi for an explanation." Kageho put away her sickles, the blades gleaming ominously at the young Inari. "Make your way back to Lord Takeshi. I will follow you from the shadows." And with that, the shinobi disappeared into the darkness of the night. Seemingly leaving Matsuri alone.
With her objective accomplished, Matsuri can head back to Terauchi Temple or go somewhere else.
”Uh...Perhaps we should leave these two along, Ayu-san?”
"Yeah, I think we should." She replied with a sigh. Unfortunately, the sisters would be done with their 'session' before either Ayu or Kirei could leave.
"Spywoman, where’s Takeshi at? I’d rather not wander this place on a fruitless endeavor."
Ayu was looking away from Ripcord and Umami, but returned her gaze once her attention was called. "He's here somewhere. Don't you worry." She replied, again with a sigh. "Let me fetch him so I can just leave him to deal with you two."
"I am being summoned?" Just as Ayu turned around, Takeshi had arrived after overhearing his name being uttered. "I was curious on why some of the refugees were moving away from here so I came to check. It seems someone's looking for me."
"Yep. The sisters over there seem to need your help." Ayu pointed at the Claremont sisters with a thumb. "There's a mark on the Shoggoth girl's neck that won't come off."
"Hmm, let me see." Takeshi approached the sisters, Ripcord in particular, and immediately found and recognized the mark. "Huh, so the Varjans know how to put one of these." The young lord said. "I don't know what the Varjans call it, but here we call it 'Marked For Death'. It's a fairly simple marking spell that helps hunters designate prey, preventing the targets from effectively hiding. Other than that, it's quite harmless albeit annoying. The spell isn't that used anymore since it's more work preparing the spell than building a trap or something similar."
"Removing it is also fairly simple, although quite intimate and some might call disgusting. I can perform the removal process if you want it gone immediately." Takeshi offered to Ripcord. "I would teach it to your sister, but the ritual requires Spirit Energy."
~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~
"There's a monastery east of here called Fung Temple.
There's a monk there named Nobutada. He's one of the most sturdiest people I know, able to weather blows that could shatter boulders. When my father called for the monks of Fung Temple, I didn't see Nobutada among them. If he's still alive, he'll be in the monastery and he can lend us his aid."
"Sorae's skill with the naginata is fearsome and second to none. She and her clan was summoned to Sanjo Beach, but never appeared. We should head to their estate in the west and find out what happened to them and, if possible, recruit them to our cause."
"Kageho is a shinobi who was supposed to attempt to sneak through the Varjan blockade alongside others. The last wave of shinobi that we could send. I... ordered them not to go anymore, behind my father's back, since it would have been a waste and the Varjans were upon us. It was too late to call for reinforcements from the other islands.
Still, I expected her to show up in Sanjo Beach with the other shinobi. But they didn't. Anyway, their hideout should be around here somewhere. Try looking for any suspicious clearings in the forests around here. We can use their help."
"Kazenosuke could deflect any attack with his spinning blade, and deliver slashes faster than the eye could see. I have no idea why he couldn't make it to Sanjo Beach. I know he's a ronin, but he still should have heeded my father.
Well, his house is near Terauchi Temple. Not very near, but just follow the river near the temple and we'll find his home and then we can ask for his help."
"Yurine has taken care of Clan Oja for as long as I can remember. Despite being a servant, I know she can swing her masakari axe pretty hard. I've little idea of her past but I know it involves tending cemeteries.
She should be in Castle Oja but my father sent her to Onrai to begin enacting some way to protect the graves from being desecrated by the invaders. I know of a famous cemetery south of Terauchi Temple. We can begin looking for her there and she'll surely help us."
"My childhood friend Kikyo was on an anti-yokai mission before all of this. I... was kind of glad she couldn't be on the beach and hoped that maybe she'll find a way to escape and live a full life elsewhere. But I know she would never do that.
If she's coming back, she would definitely head for Port Wadatsumi in the southeast. We should find her before she does anything... drastic."
~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~
There was a villager woman, crying alone near a large tree within Terauchi Temple.
"Yokai, could I speak with you? A group of bandits is terrorizing Sanjo. They slaughtered my whole family, like animals!
They were killed at our home, near a river. I am Saki, please avenge my family and stop those bandits."
An upset woman noticed the taskforce member approaching.
"As if losing our homes wasn't bad enough, we have to see Varjans in them as well.
They took a home nearby a few days ago. The man who lived there won't leave the area. He keeps begging for help."
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 a shrine priestess who wasn't present in Sanjo Beach."
"They're recruiting farmers and fishermen to their cause. Brave, but it'll be dangerous if they're not properly trained."
There was a villager man sitting in a corner, quaking in fear.
"Yokai, there's a warrior in Yagata Shipyard clad in black with a bandaged head. He seemed to have slaughtered all the Varjans there and freed me and a few other prisoners."
"He told me to tell you that he wants to meet the taskforce so they could kill him. I'm not sure what's going on with that guy but he gives me the creeps."
It was revealed to Vanessa that Wayland Keep was more magical than it appeared. Protective wards and detectors were practically everywhere, and the notable tower contained the most amount of magical energy. As for the inhabitants, the Dark Mage detected that there were about two dozen people inside the keep that were magically-attuned. And they were all looking at her direction, having immediately sensed Vanessa's spell. Despite that, they all seemingly elected to ignore her and continue with their duties. They likely knew that Vanessa wasn't there for them and thought that whichever Lot Knight that was her target could take care of it himself.
"Mass Invisibility."
"Whoa. This is pretty weird." Iskah remarked at not being able to see herself because of the invisibility spell.
"There we go. Now we just wait for them to find Aun and for me to suss out where to go, what and who to avoid, and then we'll be in and out before the day's over."
Vanessa's wisps infiltrated Wayland Keep, and went along unhindered even though probably half the keep knew they were there. It wasn't difficult for them to find Aun; they only had to zero in on the only thing that emitted Demon Energy in the entire castle. They found him in one of the buildings, in a large chamber that appeared to be the dining area since there were a lot of tables and the table that Aun occupied was filled with cups. Getting to this place required getting past the main hall and past the courtyard, and past a lot of the knightly inhabitants.
The Incubus Knight was not alone, there were several other Lot Knights with him including a couple who were magically-attuned as Vanessa detected. They seemed to be discussing something quite serious.
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