It was the big day. The morning of the departure.
You all made your preparations. Packed your things. Said your goodbyes to your homes and your loved ones, if you had any, and made your way to Akamagaseki island. Lady Kyouko said in her letter that she would meet you all in Otomo Village, the port in the island closest to the anti-monster island Shizuyama. One way or another, you arrived at Akamagaseki and reached the port village. At the same time with the others, coincidentally.
Otomo Village was a sizable settlement with a notable estate on a hill, presumably Lady Kyouko's home. The early morning of the day meant that there was little actvity in the village. Only the sounds of the morning breeze and the chirping of grasshoppers could be heard besides the odd cart moving around, the early risers of the village getting read for the day.
Approaching the port itself, however, one would see a ship prepared to sail with a small army of workers diligently and tirelessly moving supplies into the vessel. There were other, smaller boats to the side, also being loaded with boxes and crates. It appeared the preparations happening here had been going on since last night, perhaps even earlier.
The arriving group would see the snow-furred, five-tailed Inari yokai, Lady Kyouko. She would be witnessed conversing with a certain Zipanguese man with sharp features and long black hair with a blue hue tied up to a ponytail. He wore the traditional garb of a Zipanguese warrior with his weapon hanging on his back.
"
Ah, good! You're all here!" Lady Kyouko immediately noticed the arrival of her taskforce. "
Ladies and gentlemen, this is Kannazuki Shizuka. He is one of the first people I've contacted for this... task and so, arrived earlier." The Inari introduced the man. "
I've already discussed with him the finer details of your objectives so he will be taking the lead in this operation. In short, this team's objective is to infiltrate Shizuyama and uncover any information regarding the dealings between Clan Oja and the Varjan dignitaries."
"
I'm very sorry for this quick briefing for you see, time is of the essence. A huge Varjan fleet has just arrived in northern Shizuyama, approaching the Saikoten region from the north." Lady Kyouko continued, her tone anxious and her face full of worry. "
I fear... It is an omninous development. That is why I'd like the team to mobilize as soon as possible. Lots of innocent lives may be in danger."
"
But seeing that you are all yokai... mostly yokai, I must say this:" Lady Kyouko stared hard at her taskforce, making it clear that her words should be heeded. "
You will be the first monsters in thousands of years to ever step foot in Shizuyama. You will be met with fear, possibly hatred and anger at worst, but please, be patient with them. Trust my word that they are good people. And if you give a good impression, perhaps they'll even change their minds."
"
The ship is ready to take you as close to Sanjo Port as it can. Are you all prepared?"
Xaltwind
