PaulHaynek

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Kozukata Cemetery

YURINE, DEATH KEEPER

~ @Hammerman, @Restalaan (SKA & GRI), @AzureKnight (HIN & ATS), @The Irish Tree (LIL), @Enkryption ~

"Well, this is… embarrassing…"

Lunatea Vern Farnsworth

"Oh, now you're embarrassed with having your underwear seen?" Takeshi sighed. "Come if you wish, but I can't make any promises of protection if your body gives in to exhaustion, okay?"

---

Skarsneek attempted to both distract Hinami and fight off the Dragon Warrior. A difficult task to say the least, but then a sword emerged from the Dragon Warrior's torso. A bare-chested Takeshi ran the warrior through from behind with a blade, killing him instantly. With his sword wet with blood, the young lord surveyed the immediate area.

Hinami looked feral and out of control, a rabid yokai loose in this cemetery surrounded by fallen Shizuyaman warriors. A haunting sight had Takeshi not known they were traitors trying to kill him. Besides, Skarsneek there was also a naked Alice who did not seem to be participating in the fight. "...Do I want to ask what's going on?"

While Atsuha was stunned, Liliana came to her defense by stopping a spear before it hit the spider monster. She then retaliated with torrents of water that blasted from her tiny sword, something that the Spearmen did not expect and so, they were swept away and crashed into some of the gravestones. After Yurine dispatched her current enemy, she saw what happened and could only sigh.

The Dragon Warrior did not respond to Gringor's taunts. Instead, he suddenly sat down with his legs crossed. He closed his eyes and relaxed, calming himself from the thrill of battle before glowing blue. When Gringor started attacking, his hits on the Dragon Warrior simply bounced off harmlessly. It seemed similar to Nobutada's ability, but it felt different. A paper talisman then attached itself on the Dragon Warrior's shoulder, breaking his concentration and allowing the High Orc to pummel him out cold.

"...Looks like that's all of them." Yurine approached Gringor, the source of the talisman. Indeed, the attacking Shizuyamans were either on the cemetery's stone floors or have fled to parts unknown. And would you look at that, Takeshi and Lunatea have come back.

Now, the only enemy the taskforce had was one of their own: Hinami.

---

Shizuyama Wilderness

A TIME TO HEAL

~ @Xaltwind, @Rezod92, @The Irish Tree (EUL) ~

"If you're not going to help, then don't just stand there. Head for the temple, it's not far. Get going!"

Kerry Maros

Kerry told the scared villagers. She had recently defeated the Varjan Warrior dueling her while the axe-thrower that had her in his sights was zapped unconscious by Relica's remaining drone. Despite the immediate vicinity clear of hostiles, the peasant couple still did not make any move to get to safety. Either too scared or simply did not believe a yokai's words.

Relica then used her drone to further incapacitate the Varjan Warrior thrown, and knocked away, by the Elite. His body only jerked when he was hit, showing no signs of stirring. The Gremlin's attack on him might be needless, but it was better to be safe than sorry.

The last enemy was the Varjan Elite, about to swing down his mace unto Eula. But the Automaton evaded the vertical attack and then he was ran through from the side by Kerry with her spear. He uttered nothing but he was clearly hurt, swinging his mace to the side which forced the Hornet away. With him distracted, Eula used the opportunity to slam both of her mechanical fists against the sides of the Elite's helmet.

The two monsters waited for the Varjan Elite's next move... but after a few seconds of standing firm, the Elite collapsed to the ground defeated. The taskforce has won.

"That was amazing, taskforce!" The monk ran towards the yokai trio to congratulate them. "I'll let you three get your bearings while I talk to the villagers." He then left Eula, kerry and Relica alone.

---

Kazenosuke's House

KAZENOSUKE, DANCING BLADE

~ @AzureKnight (SHI), @Crowvette, @Nakushita ~

"We are working together to protect Shizuyama. Even if Shizuyama considers us unlikely allies."

Io

"Oh? And what do you get in return for helping this yokai-hating island?" Kazenosuke asked. "Never mind, I think I know the answer. You just want Shizuyama to stop hating the yokai. Fair enough." The swordsman jumped to his conclusion. However, he did not seem to mind the false reason.

"Still, I don't wanna waste my time and efforts on a lost cause. You're gonna have to prove to me that you lot are worth helping." Kazenosuke said, completely disregarding the Oja Clan's authority on this matter. The swordsman began pondering, scratching his chin with his eyes closed. "Hmmm, but how...?"

His eyes then widened, having arrived at a suitable answer. "Ah, I know! How about a duel?" Kazenosuke suggested. "Not a one-on-one duel, mind you. I'll take on all three of you at the same time. Beat me, and maybe I'll throw in with this little resistance Takeshi has going. If I beat you, though, then I get all the money you three currently have."

"What do you guys say?"

---

---

---

~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~

Teacher And Student

"Lord Takamori said that his traitorous daughter, Setsuna, is training Varjan archers in Ōmiya. I know this frightens him, even if he tries to hide it. If we don't find her and end this, there may be no stopping the archers, and no hope for Ōmiya Springs. We need to see Lord Takamori immediately."
-Takeshi Oja

~~ SORAE TALES ~~

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~

Whispers In The Woods

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..."

Lost At Sea

A villager woman was sitting beside a bonfire as the taskforce member approached.

"There's a man, yokai, swinging his sword... slashing the air on the beaches of Hama island. I'm not sure if he is a survivor of Sanjo Beach, or a mere bandit. But I'm fairly sure he was crying."

"Hama island is just off the southern coasts, but you'll definitely need a boat or something to reach it."

The Other Side Of Honor

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."

Shizuyama's Freedom

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."

~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~

The Heavenly Strike

"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

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Update out!

Fightin' all 'round!

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Kozukata Cemetery

YURINE, DEATH KEEPER

~ @Hammerman ~

The next time Lunatea woke, she was sitting against a tree likely still reeling from the effects of her earlier outburst. She saw that she had a single piece of clothing on, Takeshi's red kimono top. Looking up, she saw the bare-chested young lord watching the cemetery... which no longer had the thick fog over it. Moreover, the sounds of fighting could be heard from over there and it was undoubtedly from Yurine and the taskforce. It seemed they had run into some sort of trouble.

"Oh, you're awake!" Takeshi glanced back and noticed the Wererabbit was finally conscious. "Lunatea, are you alright? How are you feeling?" He asked as he kneeled over to her. "Yurine and the others are in trouble and I need to go help them. But will you be okay here?"

---

~ @Restalaan (SKA & GRI), @AzureKnight (HIN & ATS), @The Irish Tree (LIL), @Enkryption ~

It was chaos in the cemetery. From Hinami losing control and draining the energies a couple of the samurai to Atsuha using some ensnared samurai as some sort of makeshift flail. Gringor and Liliana dueled a Dragon Warrior each, while Skarsneek decided to attempt to take on and calm his Jiangshi sister-in-law. Alice, however, decided to enjoy the spectacle unfolding before her.

The Dragon Warrior dueling Gringor held his sword aloft in the ground, before smirking. A samurai swordsman hits the High Orc from the back, distracting the yokai enough for the Dragon Warrior to rise and get a few solid slashes in. The attacks hurt, but they didn't draw Gringor's blood. At least, not yet. The swordsman then jumped into the High Orc's back to try and get him off balance.

Meanwhile, Liliana harassed her Dragon Warrior with small attacks and feared no retaliation because of her small size and invisibility. Unfortunately, the Dragon Warrior did not seem to be getting hurt from the magical attacks and his grip on his sword was strong. The stalemate was broken, however, when an axe buried itself into his exposed rib. Yurine dragged the Shizuyaman to the ground and finished him off with an axe to the torso. "Little one, you need to help your spider friend!"

The old warrior pointed at Atsuha whose bludgeoning of the enemy was interrupted when two spearmen approached her. One of them swung his spear to cut the web while another leapt to the air, spinning as he jumped. His speartip glowed blue and it smacked Atsuha on the head. The hit, obviously, was not normal and the Jorou-Gumo felt like something exploded in front of her. Her ears rang and her vision became hazy. The two spearmen then started thrusting their weapons at her carapace in an effort to actually damage her.

Skarsneek made himself bait for Hinami with Alice watching closely. But before the Jiangshi can bite, the third Dragon Warrior slashed at her from behind. Hinami might be inclined to bite him and drain him of his energies, but she would find that his chi did not come out easily and she would be pushed off and receive a couple of hard slashed for the trouble.

---

Shizuyama Wilderness

A TIME TO HEAL

~ @Xaltwind, @Rezod92, @The Irish Tree (EUL) ~

While the Varjans' attention were on Eula, Relica's drones and Kerry came from behind. The scared peasants watched as the unwitting invaders were blindsided by the monsters.

The twin-axe Warrior was stabbed from behind by Kerry and fell to the ground, seemingly down. Meanwhile, the two shielded Warriors were zapped from behind by Relica's drones. They weren't taken down, but they were stunned long enough for Eula to close the distance, nab one of them and hurl him at the Varjan Elite, taking the Varjan's shield for herself in the process.

"Monsters! Kill them!"

The Elite violently swatted away the Warrior hurled at him with his mace and confronted the shielded Eula. He started with a quick, but powerful, side swing that knocked the Automaton's shield to the side and then immediately followed it up with a mighty kick to the torso that sent Eula sliding on her feet a meter away. The Varjan Elite was relentless, and was ready to do an overhead swing at her.

Meanwhile, one of Relica's drones were knocked out of the air by a well-placed thrown axe. The Varjan Warrior with the axes had recovered, and his gaze soon turned to a fellow Warrior fighting the Hornet with sword and shield, doing his best with shield thrusts and sword slashes. He raised his axe, waiting for the right moment to hit Kerry and give his ally an advantage.

---

Kazenosuke's House

KAZENOSUKE, DANCING BLADE

~ @AzureKnight (SHI), @Crowvette, @Nakushita ~

"My name is Kannazuki Shizuka, I am a ronin who was tasked by a benefactor of the Oja clan to assist in driving back the Varjan invaders. We've come to inform you that both Hideo-dono and his son Takeshi-dono are alive and well, and we've been assisting the latter for the past few days in gathering more allies for the cause. We were hoping you would lend your blade to our cause. Ah..."

Shizuka Kannazuki

Kazenosuke's hand immediately went to his sword's hilt when Shizuka appeared, but relaxed when he heard the 'Oja' name. He was still wary, though, since this azure swordsman seemed to have come with two individuals; individuals who were clearly not human. Regardless, he still listened to Shizuka's words to the finish.

"They're alive, huh?" Kazenosuke seemed conflicted on how to feel about that.

"Also, if you don't mind me asking, who were those men you were speaking with just now? In addition, Takeshi-dono was wondering why you didn't join the battle on Sanjo Beach days ago."

Shizuka Kannazuki

"I was... sick at that time." Kazenosuke answered the last question, rather hesitantly. "By the time I recovered, it was all too late."

"Anyway, you don't recognize those people? Those are Varjans. Y'know, the same Varjans you said you were driving back?" Kazenosuke continued. "The one who came here seem pretty high up, though. He claimed to be answering to Serek'uar himself, the Lord Of The Conquest Of Shizuyama." He revealed. "They offered... things to me. Pretty nice things..."

"But enough about me, you say your assisting Takeshi but you've got yokai with you, don't you?" The dancing swordsman suddenly laughed out loud. "How the hell did Takeshi listen to you? Did you cast a spell on him or something? And what of his father? Did he agree to this too? Or is this something done behind his back? 'Cause let me tell you, Lord Oja's so gonna slice Takeshi's head off if that's the case." He then laughed some more.

"And what of those two? Are they your wives?" Kazenosuke pointed at Yuki and Io who kept their distance. "Hey, you two! Don't stand there awkwardly! Come closer and help your boyfriend better his pitch."

---

---

---

~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~

Teacher And Student

"Lord Takamori said that his traitorous daughter, Setsuna, is training Varjan archers in Ōmiya. I know this frightens him, even if he tries to hide it. If we don't find her and end this, there may be no stopping the archers, and no hope for Ōmiya Springs. We need to see Lord Takamori immediately."
-Takeshi Oja

~~ SORAE TALES ~~

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~

Whispers In The Woods

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..."

Lost At Sea

A villager woman was sitting beside a bonfire as the taskforce member approached.

"There's a man, yokai, swinging his sword... slashing the air on the beaches of Hama island. I'm not sure if he is a survivor of Sanjo Beach, or a mere bandit. But I'm fairly sure he was crying."

"Hama island is just off the southern coasts, but you'll definitely need a boat or something to reach it."

The Other Side Of Honor

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."

~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~

The Heavenly Strike

"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

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Man, you guys post fast. :O

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Update out!

_{I wish writing was easier...}

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Kozukata Cemetery

YURINE, DEATH KEEPER

~ @Hammerman ~

Upon learning of the samurai's true intentions, Lunatea went ballistic. After being struck by an arrow and a near-death experience from a sword inches away from her face, the rabbit monster unleashed immense power upon the unwitting samurai. Driven with rage, she started slaughtering the assassins with her lightning and her speed.

Takeshi was witness to Lunatea's rampage. He had slain his opponent just in time for him to see the Wererabbit's clothes get shredded from her power. He paid no attention to her half-naked form, instead he was at awe at her power. Even though she was destroying traitors to Shizuyama, he could not help but be a little afraid. He supposed he should be glad that Lunatea was on his side... right?

Soon, all the samurai assassins were either dead or unconscious. Takeshi warily approached the super-powered rabbit yokai. "Miss Lunatea? Are you okay?" He told her, sheathing his sword even if that might not be a good idea. "Y-- I saw an arrow hit you earlier. Do you... want me to take a look at it?" Takeshi knew he needed to get back to the others, but hopefully with a calm Lunatea.

---

~ @Restalaan (SKA & GRI), @AzureKnight (HIN & ATS), @The Irish Tree (LIL), @Enkryption ~

"Err, are you two sure you're on the same page here?" Yurine asked of Skarsneek and Atsuha. "I have a feeling there's confusion in the words..."

But before anyone could respond, the fog in the cemetery began disappearing. "Something's going on..." Yurine picked up her axe and stood on alert. "I have some empty talismans and ink over there if you need them, spider." She told Atsuha of some magical resources nearby. "Helping your sister has to wait it seems."

When the mist fully dissipated, a group approached. They were not hostile, at least not technically. Gringor arrived along with a cow-riding Liliana apparently holding a... bare, unclothed Alice. Yurine winced at the sight of the arriving yokai and immediately pieced together who they were. "Friends of yours, I assume?" She then sighed. "What has happened to the island..."

"Yokai! Show yourselves!"

Two groups of Shizuyaman samurai appeared on the other, opposite side. It was a sizable group, containing at least a dozen swordsmen and spearmen. But there were three who stood out, these warriors wielded long blades with their chests exposed and wore only robes for their lower bodies. "Lady Yurine, forsake these blasted yokai and help us reclaim our land from all our enemies!" One of these warriors pleaded.

"Dragon Warriors. They're our answer against the magical attacks of yokai. Resistant to the magic silver too." Yurine warned the taskforce before replying. "These yokai are the guests of the young master. You dare go against Lord Oja's son?"

"You leave us no choice."

The Shizuyama samurai charged. The cemetery has turned into a battlefield. At least, anyone who dies need not travel far for their wake.

---

Shizuyama Wilderness

A TIME TO HEAL

~ @Xaltwind, @Rezod92 ~

The monk was startled when Kerry suddenly arrived. He was pleasantly surprised that these two apparently knew each other, but was dismayed when the two yokai were running out of ideas on how to save the poor peasant couple.

As the two yokai talked amongst themselves, the monk noticed the situation developing. "Yokai, look!" He pointed.

-

~ @The Irish Tree (EUL) ~

Eula decided to leave Honoka without saying anything more.

The Automaton walked back to Terauchi Temple, the deception of the peasant woman and the complexities of humanity in general still weighing heavily on her mind. They even distracted her from noticing a scene unfolding before her until she was snapped back to reality by the loud voices.

"Where are you hiding the supplies?"

"We don't have any!"

"Liar!"

"Please don't hurt us!"

Before Eula was a group of four dark-armored warriors. She finally encountered Varjans in her stay in Shizuyama. Three of them were of the Warrior kind while the last one looked Elite, holding a large two-handed mace. They were harassing a couple of peasant villagers, holding them at swordpoint. Althought, not for long when they noticed the Automaton. "Don't run or you'll regret it!" The villagers were ordered.

The four Varjans confronted Eula while the peasants cowered where they were. "Well, well, well, lookie here. We got a lost little girlie." The dark warriors drew their weapons, swords and shields and throwing axes. "Give us the location of a hidden camp, or house, or just any group of little Shizuyaman cretins, and we'll consider letting you live."

"...She doesn't look Shizuyaman." The Elite noticed.

This problem was rather simple and perhaps the simplicity was just what Eula needed, morbid as that may be.

---

Kazenosuke's House

KAZENOSUKE, DANCING BLADE

~ @AzureKnight (SHI) ~

Shizuka followed the river per Takeshi's directions and soon found a humble peasant house nested in a depression in the forested land right beside the flowing river. The house was pretty unremarkable, but there were some simple fishing equipment laying about near the river. Although, what would catch Shizuka's eye immediately was the group of men in front of the house.

A group of three Varjans, two were the typical Varjan Warrior kind while the third was unique. His black hair was bared to reach his shoulder and only wore a snarling steel mask in place of a proper helmet. There was a fourth individual standing in front of the masked Varjan. He was a young adult with silver hair wearing simple, but unique, clothes of white and red. This was probably Kazenosuke.

"..."

"Come now, there are already Shizuyamans joining us. This does not need to be a Shizuyama versus Varjo thing." The Varjan said. "Yokai have already reached the island, you know? We should be together against them rather than each other, should we not?" After a few moments of silence, the Varjan continued. "Or maybe, you care little for those traditions. Maybe, you covet Lord--"

"Leave. Please." Kazenosuke stressed.

The Varjan snickered at the response. "I shall relay to my fellows not to cross you, so long as you do otherwise." He then turned to leave. "If you ever make up your mind, you know where to find me. Or Lord Serek'uar."

Kazenosuke was then left alone by the Varjan group. The warrior was deep in thought from the conversation with the Varjan, and could not sense Shizuka's presence hiding behind the trees.

---

Terauchi Temple

~ @Crowvette, @Nakushita ~

Kikyo almost drew her blade at Alice reacting aggressively, only for... everything else to happen.

After all was said and done, a stunned Kikyo could only watch as the taskforce split up to do their own things. Mostly going off to assist her with protecting Lord Takeshi. Well, that was what they were supposed to do but it seemed they went straight to the young lord himself. Kerry went off to search for another yokai while Shizuka gave up in reining in the taskforce and went to see Kazenosuke. Kikyo wished the azure swordsman luck, the Dancing Blade was not a very social person. "This whole taskforce is insane..."

Kikyo let out a heavy sigh. "...And what of you two?" She muttered to the remaining taskforce members, Io and Yuki. "I suggest you go after the swordsman, I've got a feeling he'll need help with Kazenosuke. Although, you are yokai so he might flip out. Then again, better he learn he'll be joining forces with yokai sooner rather than later." She advised the Lich and the Oni.

Just doing the act already made her sick in the stomach. She then spurred her horse towards the yokai on Takeshi's trail. Their speed exceeded her horse's, though.

---

---

---

~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~

Teacher And Student

"Lord Takamori said that his traitorous daughter, Setsuna, is training Varjan archers in Ōmiya. I know this frightens him, even if he tries to hide it. If we don't find her and end this, there may be no stopping the archers, and no hope for Ōmiya Springs. We need to see Lord Takamori immediately."
-Takeshi Oja

~~ SORAE TALES ~~

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~

Whispers In The Woods

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..."

Lost At Sea

A villager woman was sitting beside a bonfire as the taskforce member approached.

"There's a man, yokai, swinging his sword... slashing the air on the beaches of Hama island. I'm not sure if he is a survivor of Sanjo Beach, or a mere bandit. But I'm fairly sure he was crying."

"Hama island is just off the southern coasts, but you'll definitely need a boat or something to reach it."

The Other Side Of Honor

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."

~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~

The Heavenly Strike

"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

Magus Reaver: Scions of Sorcery

~ Hideout ~

- @Silverstein, @FrogRFlowR -

”That’s fine, I have my own pass right here!”

Evelyn Grace

And just like that, any semblance of stealth was thrown out the window. The Reavers had tailed their suspect back to their hideout located deep in the canyon, the entrance being a pair of inconspicuous boulders. Said boulders did not last long, though, against Evelyn's destructon magic which blew up the rocks and sent dust and debris everywhere.

The explosion did not go unnoticed and the hideout's inhabitants came pouring out, armed with magitech swords and guns likely stolen from the Reavers' client. The fighting has begun.

Evelyn was the first to be targeted and the first to fight back while Leon slinked to the shadows, infiltrating the enemy lines to hit them from behind. More of the thugs charged at Einer and Asterope. Oh, how Einer wished he had some more offensive abilities so he could actually help. All he had with him was a pair of knuckles to help him deal out some fisticuffs, something that was nigh useless against blades that seared with fire or crackled with lightning.

Still, Einer readied his fists. If they came at him, he would do his best.

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Don't worry, you guys'll get there soon. ^_^

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Update out! RIP Eula

Tales Of Shizuyama (Far-Eastern Monster Girl RP)

Honoka's House

EMPTY BASKETS

~ @The Irish Tree (EUL) ~

"None of you are my type. However, I wouldn't be against simply being 'friends'."

Eula 039

The bandits watched with rapt attention at Eula explaining the news of The Great Change accompanied with drawings etched onto bark. After her explanation, the vagabonds talked amongst themselves. There were disagreements, but they all agreed on one thing.

"That's okay, yokai. You're not our type either." One of the bandits replied. "You have no chest and you're lacking in hips and ass. Barely any sex appeal at all."

"But anyway, do you think she's telling the truth?" A bandit moved to the more important topic.

"I dunno, she sounded pretty sure. She even drew on the tree and all."

"You know, maybe that's why people have mostly been fleeing to Terauchi Temple for protection fron the Varjans." A bandit realized and pointed out. "I heard the place was full of yokai so I thought they were crazy for doing that but now..."

The bandits looked at each other as they all began to come to the same conclusion. "...You know, we could find pretty yokai there."

And that was the final nail in the coffin for these wayward Shizuyamans, the bandits quickly gathered their personal effects before taking off towards Terauchi Temple. Their tents and weapons and supplies were all left behind with Eula, including the sack of food stolen from Honoka. Or so the peasant woman says.

---

Taking the tied up sack back to Honoka's home, the young peasant woman beamed at the sight of Eula's return. "You're back! And you have the food!"

Honoka took the sack and the Automaton inside her house. Beside the unlit firepit, the peasant woman untied the ropes to the sack and opened it slightly to see the contents. Within the sack was the unmistakable sight of rice grains. "Rice! I don't remember the last time I've had rice!" She scooped up a handful to observe it more closely.

Her exclamation was strange, though, as it did not match her earlier statements of having this rice stolen from her recently. Honoka was too mesmerized at the food to have noticed this, too joyful at having staved away starvation for a while. "Thank you, yokai!"

And with that, Eula's job here was over. Although, she might have something to say about being deceived again.

---

Kozukata Cemetery

YURINE, DEATH KEEPER

~ @Hammerman ~

"He's right! I don't want to hurt any of you either!"

Lunatea Vern Farnsworth

"Seriously, you didn't get what they meant?!" Takeshi looked at Lunatea incredulously, seemingly making the mistake of taking his eyes off his enemy just to correct this misconception. "They're here to kill us both then blame you!"

A samurai swordsman thought Takeshi was distracted and decided to attack with a vertical swing, only for the young lord to step to the side and retaliate with a couple of slashes of his own. The samurai warrior was wounded but fortunately for him, Takeshi's assault was interrupted when an archer loosed an arrow which he was forced to evade. Another samurai stepped in to try his luck against the young lord. And he had plenty of luck as despite his attack being parried, Takeshi had to evade another arrow from the second archer which prevented a counterattack.

The exchange continued until a samurai managed to finally land a hit on Takeshi, a diagonal slash to the back. The young lord gritted his teeth from the pain, but pushed on to keep fighting. One slash was not enough to take down the heir to Shizuyama and if he did not die in Sanjo Beach, he was not dying here.

Still, maybe Lunatea should jump in and help. The samurai paid no attention to the seemingly harmless rabbit yokai.

---

~ @Restalaan (SKA), @AzureKnight (HIN & ATS) ~

"You seen other goblins before? When?"

Skarsneek

"A long time ago. When I was way younger and Lord Hideo Oja was but a child." Yurine answered. "I was briefly contracted by The Order to drive away the Goblins from their villages near Order lands."

"We are yokai from various backgrounds who were contacted by a supporter of the Oja family and Shizuyama as a whole, sent her to aid Takeshi-san the the natives against the Varjan invaders and save as many lives as possible. There's not really much more to it than that."

Atsuha Hangai

"But me? I'm Skarsneek. I'm here to screw the Varjans over. But as to why Takeshi there changed? Let's just say their defense of the beach went poorly. He was the only survivor, heard your lord was captured but he might be dead already. And the Varjans are worse. Much worse than you think. They're attacking and conquering a nation of anti-mamono...so they can use this island to invade Zipangu as a whole. This ain't just your Island business anymore, it's the entire east we're talking about here."

Skarsneek

"We couldn't care less what happens to the yokai-friendly parts of Zipangu." Yurine crossed her arms. "If what you say is true, then I wish Varjo would've just steered clear of us and invaded the other isles." After a sigh, she continued. "There's no point ruminating about what should've or shouldn't have happened..."

"Although, I am rather curious as to who supports Clan Oja and Shizuyama but sends yokai to help." Yurine wondered that herself. She knew no one who fit such a contradicting criteria. "It couldn't have been Clan Amanomiya. Then-- No, wait. It couldn't have been them... could it?"

"You see, my sister and I are not natural yokai. We, we actually were born humans just like you and Takeshi-san. However, one day, my sister died from an illness. She...is very dear to me and I simply could not accept that she had been taken from me. So, I did the unthinkable - I underwent a ritual that involved resurrection magic. After I perform the ceremony, my sister and I took the forms you see before you now as punishment for breaking taboo. Perhaps her fury is some form of karma for defying the laws of nature."

Atsuha Hangai

"Perhaps it is. Perhaps these spells are taboo for a reason, young lady." Yurine began to reprimand Atsuha, anger rising. "You sacrificed the sanctity of your humanity and deprived your sister of hers. Such an act could only be met with a swift death. And a swift death to the sister too, as a mercy." The old warrior declared. "Only by the grace of the young master do you live. So I shall be content with letting you suffer your fates."

"But once again, Lord Takeshi's kindness blesses you. He wants me to help you, and so I shall. You two owe him your lives twice over." Yurine finished. "...The potion I will make should relax the undead's body, but clearing her rampaging mind will be up to her." Thinking some more, she added. "I know a spell that can link minds. Someone can help her, but I think it will need someone with a stronger will than hers."

---

Terauchi Temple ---> Shizuyama Wilderness

A TIME TO HEAL

~ @Xaltwind ~

"Let's get going whenever you're ready. I'll let you do the talking to any of your fellow locals and natives, as long as they ain't hostile. But if we get into a situation where we need to fight, I trust you'll follow my instructions, got it? My top priority here is to get you from here to there, in one piece preferbly, and I can't do that if you don't listen to me if or when it really counts, got it?"

Relica Rune Nox-Umbra

The monk clapped in awe at the showcase of Relica's aerial gadgetry. "Ohhh, such advanced technology! I now see that the tales of our travelers were not farfetched at all. I could certainly use a device like that." He said. "Of course, I am wise enough to know that using such machines will not be easy. One would need training and discipline, yes? Things that require time, time that we don't have."

-

Relica and the monk began their trip towards the illness-assailed survivor camp with the latter leading the way. Their walk through the dirt roads of Onrai was peaceful so far. "Were you at the battle of Sanjo Beach? No, I'm fairly sure you just arrived recently." The monk began. "I heard the first taskforce members took part there, and managed to save young lord Takeshi, giving hope back to our island. I look forward to your future achievements."

But upon entering a lightly forested part of the road, the monk pointed ahead. "Wait, I see something up ahead."

Ahead the duo and upon a fork on the path, was a group of armed figures wearing dark, bulky armor. They were clearly not Shizuyaman and they were accosting a couple of peasants whom they held at swordpoint. The monk led the Gremlin under some bushes so they would not be noticed as they observed the situation.

"Varjans." The monk told Relica. "Please, yokai. You have to do something before they kill the villagers."

---

Terauchi Temple

~ @The Irish Tree (LIL), @Crowvette, @Restalaan (GRI), @Rezod92, @AzureKnight (SHI), @Enkryption ~

Emerging from their harrowing training session, the taskforce group slowly rejoined the inhabitants of Terauchi Temple. "You guys sure took a long time in there!" Ayu greeted the taskforce but upon getting a closer look, she saw the gloomy looks of some of the taskforce members as well as an asleep Alice carried by Shizuka. In general, the taskforce looked worn down. "Whoa, what happened to you? Weren't you guys supposed to be just training?"

Other than Ayu's concerns, the temple remained the same as ever. Refugees going about their daily lives. The other taskforce members who did not take part in the training appear to be away, likely on their own missions.

Suddenly, the warrior woman Kikyo arrived on a horse. "Hey, taskforce!" She called to them. "After Lord Takeshi left, I saw some of my men take off after him without telling me. I have a bad feeling about this so I intend to follow." She then pointed to Alice carried by Shizuka. "Someone wake that fool. She's the one who got painted with Takeshi's essence, right? I might need her to track him down."

---

---

---

~~ TAKESHI'S JOURNEY ~~

Kazenosuke, Dancing Blade

"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."

-Takeshi Oja

~~ TAKAMORI TALES ~~

Teacher And Student

"Lord Takamori said that his traitorous daughter, Setsuna, is training Varjan archers in Ōmiya. I know this frightens him, even if he tries to hide it. If we don't find her and end this, there may be no stopping the archers, and no hope for Ōmiya Springs. We need to see Lord Takamori immediately."
-Takeshi Oja

~~ SORAE TALES ~~

*Finish 'Pre-Emptive Strike' to unlock next tale*

~~ TALES OF SHIZUYAMA ~~

Whispers In The Woods

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..."

Lost At Sea

A villager woman was sitting beside a bonfire as the taskforce member approached.

"There's a man, yokai, swinging his sword... slashing the air on the beaches of Hama island. I'm not sure if he is a survivor of Sanjo Beach, or a mere bandit. But I'm fairly sure he was crying."

"Hama island is just off the southern coasts, but you'll definitely need a boat or something to reach it."

The Other Side Of Honor

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."

~~ LEGENDARY TALES ~~

*Tale commencing*