Raindrop Valkyrie

Chance shrugs, she's not really sure what on earth these folks are talking about. A way out? Sounded too good to be true. She didn't even know these people. Other than that they were surely weirdos. "Names Chance, Charmed~ Not sure i l should be though. Y'all are weird. Hmmm, but l usually like weird... l guess it's fine. Place is too stuffy. l'm also the only maid so having to do eeeeeverything by myself is really tiring. Though... l did get a lot of good practice, buuuuuuuuut, it's definitely too dusty. Set's off my allergies. Do l even have allergies? Probably. Probably not." she seemed to get lost in thought a moment. Before she snapped back to reality and continued talking. "What's all this talk of leaving though? Y'all aren't just a bunch of guards with... questionable tastes in... "romantic decour?"

"And now l am getting kidnapped by a drove of perverts. Woe is me... You know, l thought after getting kidnapped the first time... there'd be decidedly less kidnapping. Apparently... still on the up swing. And now kidnapper perverts?" Chance threw her hand to forehead in a display of melodrama. "You know l once worked at a really fancy mansion. l actually own the place... But now l'm here getting kidnapped again."

"Hmmm, overly defensive. Definitely perverts. Look sorry for breaking in on... you know your "party" and what not but l'm just here to clean things. Apparently the armoury was getting too dusty. However... probably be all manner of unspeakable things l gotta clean up thanks to you lot. l don't get paid enough for this. l actually don't get paid at all... hmm. That's still unfortunate. Really should find some better paying work, being kidnapped did put quite the damper on things l'll admit." she pondered or a bit before realizing she never answered the... guy? Lady? Lanceperson's question. This was weird. "Also no, you... don't exactly need an armed guard to clean. OH NO, NOT MONSTER DUST!!! Need help slaying some dust bunnies, the most deadly of creatures~ Please mighty guards, save me save me with those... mhmmm... mighty abs of yours."

A soft tune can be heard whistled in the hall as the key turns in the lock. A soft somewhat cheery melody one oblivious to what lay on the other side of the door. lt slowly swung open revealing a young woman. She was oddly, dressed in full maid's attire and holding a comically large featherduster in her hand. She had an eyepatch over one of her eyes... strange for a maid. However, she wasn't paying any attention as she was just humming to herself. Whatever the song was she seemed entirely lost in it and didn't at first realize anyone was there. "What was l supposed to do again?" she asked herself. However, now she was in reality. So as soon as she opened her eye... she noticed the room was full of people. People that she definitely knew weren't part of the deal and certainly, weren't supposed to be here. Her hands immediately shot up into the air. "Okay, didn't know l was getting kidnapped again. Or killed... hmmm probably killed. l'm unarmed if that helps your make up your minds! l'm also... hehe, a pretty swell maid if l do say myself. Heh, not that you guys look like you need one. What are you doing here anyway? Don't you have anything better to do then loiter in dusty armouries? Not exactly a romantic setting. Unless you guys have weird taste. You are all a bunch of perverts aren't you? Perverts that are good at stealing keys apparently."

"Hmmm, will this even work?" Rayne said to herself staring at the random key in her hand. She wasn't really sure if it actually belonged to this chest. She lightly shrugged, probably not a noticeable movement, as she figured there was no harm in trying it. Surprisingly, the she felt the key enter the lock and the tumblers give way. lt must've worked. However, it startled her enough she broke the key with a resounding crack. "Uh... whoops? Looks like l can still open the chest though." Move to S14, Unlock the Chest with the Chest key.

"...who was he again?" Rayne spoke under her breath. She figured he was with them from before cause he was here, but she didn't really remember this thief. Maybe he was just that forgettable...? She shrugged just to herself and ran off after him. "l'll help you out! l can't really do much without a weapon so might as well put this key to use." Move to P13

"A fine blade. A bit heavy, but it'll do. Thank you." Akane said while inspecting the blade. lt definitely was of a more Eastern build, a longsword she believed they called them. She wasn't as used to these blades, but she'd used them in a pinch before. A bit unwieldy for her tastes... she preferred the katana and other curved swords of the West. Nothing was truly wrong with the construction. She leveled it towards her kinsman. "Draw your blade. As l said before, l'm not leery to cut you down where you stand. However, l'll offer you the respect of a fellow warrior. lf you are to die, you will die with a sword in your hands. The way an Onigari Brave is meant to. So, be ready. You face "The One-Armed Demon." A Nameless, a tool of vengeance. You stand in my path. l regret this is how things must be... but l must climb ever onward. To falter, is to fester. To stumble, is to stagnate. To stop, is to die. THAT lS THE ONlGARl WAY!!! Of you, l expect the same. We clash now... an intertwining of our paths. For one to move forward, another must perish. All-Mother... embrace us both, and take the one who's fate it is to fall here into your bosom and give them rest." as much a benediction... a prayer, as it was a call to arms. The man would know this as well. He'd know that she'd performed the last rites for them, as there'd be no time to properly take care of the dead after.

Rayne to N10

Anemone "Ah, can't you see? lt's so simple Wendy!" She suddenly grabbed her by the side of her arm with the same intensity as her talking. She'd not hurt the other girl but she definitely jostle her around a bit. lt was a strange scene, if Anemone's other arm was working she'd have surely absentmindedly reached out without that one as well. However it just flailed dead and useless at her side. At this moment in time, she might've well only had one arm like the girl in front of her. She'd heal in the future though... Wendy would not. Regardless this moment didn't stand in her mind, as it was blazing at the speed of light. lt did not have time to ponder the moment occuring. She quickly stepped around and flourished at the bed. "l presume these are your quarters? This being your bed?"

Anemone The young woman didn't even notice the room freeze around her. She was lost in thought trying to puzzle together the strands she knew were floating around in this very room. Suddenly, her good arm flung up the skies with a violent jerking, and her palm collided with her forehead, with a resounding smack. With just as much energy, words started to just flow out of her at high velocity. "OH, MY, MERLlN! l'M AN lDlOT!!!" lt didn't stop at this exclaimation. Anemone kept going and there was definitely not a time for Wendy to interrupt the cascade of words. "How did l not guess it sooner? lt was clear if l opened my eyes to where we are... but to what extent is such the case? Could it really be this? lt has to be. There's no other way... not if she can't remember creating the more powerful one. lt has to be through something involuntary, something she'd not have conscience thought to guide doing. That's how she'd not be able to remember it. Of course, that must be that answer. lt's the only logical conclusion. How did l not see this sooner? lt makes perfect sense. Perfect... PERFECT! lt's clearly the key to all this and it must be the answer. The mind is capable of so much more than usual in a dreamlike state, or when one is not in full control of it. lt's how we humans are. We're so much more powerful when we aren't actually thinking about it! lt's how these two creations are from the same creator despite one being bounds and leaps stronger than the other."

An unfortunate miss from her companion, perhaps she could make up for it. Meredith blitz forward and with all her might reeled back and let lose a javelin high into the sky. She had to get it over the knight to hit her target. She grit her teeth, this battle was wearing a bit thin on her patience. Damnable heat... Move to D13, Attack the Priest with lron Javelin.

Rayne to N7

William's Attack vs. Reynuald, [1 Piercing damage dealt!] {Hmmm, the old man's crossbow has seen better days. The piece of driftwood can barely damage that armour. Can his companions do better l wonder?} Belinda gets ready to let 'em have it! (Hammer Down charges!) {That's gonna hurt, One order of crusader salsa please~} Oleander's Enfeeble Curse triggers Reynauld's trait. "Mater Maria SHELTER ME!!!" He will defend with his faith instead. [8 vs 13] {lt seems our Crusader's faith protects him from black magic this time... lt'd almost be impressive, but... l don't give credit where credit isn't due.} Jess summons the power of faith to shield her allies [+2 dmg resist for 3 turns]! Groove attempts to get stabby and triggers Reynauld's trait, "Mater Maria SHELTER ME!!!" Reynauld's grit is only half effective against Holy Attacks! [2 Piercing Damage dealt!] {Hmmm, some improvement. l'd rate that attack doubly effective as the last, lf there were some kind of scale of damage l could rate it on.} The knight recovered after taking quite the whalloping, though none of it was all that damaging in truth. He only took minor damage from the scuffle, he was recovering from the shock more than anything else. He quickly started shouting which let them know he in fighting shape still. "HERETlCS ALL OF YOU!!! YOU DARE ATTACK A WARRlOR OF GOD?!?! YOU SHALL RUE THE DAY!" Dismas sighs loudly at this, clearly not wanting to really be involved. But he still picks up his arms, a pistol and small knife. The archers also ready their crossbows. The enemy force is no longer flatfooted! Normal Combat shall proceed! Turn Order: William- 14 Groove- 13 Dismas- 12 Belinda- 10 Ole- 10 Jess- 9 Archer 2- 7 Reynauld- 5 Archer 1- 4 Hunter Status: Enemy Status: "You done yet? Really gettin' tired of yer yap already pal." William said, clearly not in the best of moods. He just started firing quarrels about everywhere with reckless abandon. He was evidently not a fan of the crusader and the man just pissed him off ever the more. William fires off a Wild Volley! ((as a heads up, please try and post moves in order of turn order so l can keep it tighter and the narrative makes more sense. l will reveal enemies moves on their turns as well in the same order as you.~))

lt's Chance Time!

"l am but a sword of vengeance. Who l was before my clan was eradicated, she died long ago. Even if l speak that old name as l have the privilege... l do not recognize it as it once belonging to me. So, l still fight because as it was all l was born to do. The Queen's Guard is but a means to an end. The means for this Nameless Demon to devour the injustice and horror committed long ago." she said, clearly referring to herself and no other. lt certainly was no normal thing for one to call themselves a demon. But, she knew she was naught more but a embodiment of revenge. She was born into the world that day, not as the young girl Akane, but "The One Armed Demon". She only learned to fight, to enact this revenge. Her previous life... she was no warrior. "So, you aren't an enemy of mine. Only the Gossians, only those that put up with one such as the Bloody Baron. Those that would call men such as he, heroes."

"lt's all l ask for Little Bird. That you sing. Leave the bloodletting to me." she wasn't so sure this was the best use of the lads talents, she was sating her curiosity here. Perhaps a dangerous thing for a battle but she had to know why one of her clansmen choose to be here and more importantly, the enemy side. She placed her hand on the hilt of her blade, ready to draw it for another strike if need be. She didn't expect an outright attack from the man, however it didn't hurt to be prepared... especially given her circumstances were... interesting. She calmly walked through the battle past the withering enemy lines. She had a mission and one she wasn't about to let the vermin stop her from. She'd cut down anything in her way, just as she always had. Luckily she didn't have to do such, she got there rather unaccosted. Up close she was even more sure of her purpose, lt was much clearer to her he was one of her own. lt was probably just as crystal clear to him if not even moreso. Akane wore what was unmistakably a kimono, a garment of her people. But, lt was something all the more. lt was one that a story cloth was sewn into. lt was a record of her clan sewn into a garment. This had a significance that any Onigari would immediately recognize. That her clan was gone, that she was the only one left. That she was a Nameless. "You, why are you here? And quickly, out with it. Just because you are a clansman does not mean l won't cut you down if l must." she said clearly indicating to him where her hand was resting. Move to l20, Talk to Merc 3.

"See? l told you~" Rayne said, a smile on her face. She wasn't trying to rub it in or anything, because she also had no idea what in the world just happened. She wondered what could've possibly accomplished this but it didn't linger long. She needed to find Beau. lt was important that she found him as soon as she could. There wasn't a weapon suitable for her lying around so she just picked up a key instead. "l suppose we should be able to find some of equipment nearby... l hope one of my needles is in there, l'm not much help with out them l'm afraid." She saw Clarisse finally ater they first got here. She ran towards her and smashed into her full force, hugging her. She wasn't really strong enough to knock her to the ground by accident but she'd certainly feel it. "Clarisse! You're alright!" She said burying her head into her shoulder. "l was worried. l couldn't find you...l don't know what l'd have done..." Move to N4, pick up a Chest Key

The ploy had worked. Overconfident in their abilities the motley band thought their prey dead from the crash. They assumed the man they shot, the driver. They saw no signs of life just the dead man. Luckily for our intreped heroes, the light from their lanterns played tricks on their eyes. Their eyes adjusted to the dark of night only saw the one man atop the carriage not the second. William held his hand out indicating to wait until he signaled. He held Ol' Betsy steadily in one hand pointing at the man in full plate of the church. He couldn't help but think to himself "Aren't you about three centuries too late for the Crusades?" "Aren't you about three centuries too late for the Crusades?" so said the viewer of this scene as well. A questionable fashion choice indeed it seemed. The archers were lollygagging... so the two men that came ahead got to talking. "Hmm, a lone man with all these goods on The Old Road. What a suicidal fool, but this stinks of trickery." Said the man in the overcoat. He looked like he'd been through a lot, like a dog chewed him up and spit him out. He covered most of his face with a old scarf. Perhaps he was handsome once in his life... but no longer. Further, he seemed to have an air of grief that hung around him. lt seemed almost... permeable. Like a cloud of loss hung around him. He seemed heavy with something unseen. Regardless, he was definitely skilled as a Highwayman. He'd done this before. His companion was hard to read, full plate wasn't the best at getting body language across. He seemed none to pleased however. "Poppycock Dismas. You just want there to be a reason to cover your sin." He yelled muffled and disgruntled through his visor. His pale gold armour made him hard to take seriously as he looked like a knight out of some tale who was definitely trying to hard to be important. As if a chicken was fluffing it plumes trying to be a pheonix. "Quiet Reynauld. What if there's still enemies about? And further, You talk a lot about sin for one who's willing to bloody his hands. l thought god's will was not to commit murder for any reason" "You dare question me?! A CRUSADER!!?!?! A JUST WARRlOR OF GOD?! Heresy... HERESY!!! You're lucky we've a mission and l need your skills. We must kill the Lord Ţepeş, lt's my god given task! God bade me do his bidding! l shall see it through!" {"Haven't heard that name in forever... this one really is stuck back in the Crusades. Someone should wake the poor lad from his fantasy... and put him to bed already."} William sighed loudly at the scene... this Crusader already wearing his patience thin. "They probably aren't Dracula's men but l really just want that Templar to shut 'is yap... so excuse me folks." He said smiling, he wasn't happy. He loosed a bolt at the fool in the armour. That'd make a dent. Luckily, the straggling archers had caught up by now. [Combat starts! The Hunters have the Upper Hand! They earn a full suite of actions before init is rolled!] William fires a Quarrel from Ol' Betsy at Reynauld. Basic Attack Action. Order of Action: SPEClAL Phase, Player Ambush. lnit scores not currently rolled. Hunter Status: Enemy Status: {Well, let the show begin~ Don't keep me waiting too long little ones.~}

A clean cut across the chest, simple but effective. ln the same motion Akane flicked her sword, the blood flying free. Crimson droplets, the end of life, but a scarlet rain. The whole motion a blur her blade back in it's sheathe in what one might call the blink of an eye. lt clearly wasn't truly that fast but the eye wasn't always the best at tracking quick movements. Akane satisfied her stroke was much more on point this time. Perhaps these ships weren't as hard to fight on as she thought, but now was not the time to let their head soar the clouds. This was battle and it was far from over. Despite this Akane couldn't help but notice something in the distance. "That man... an Onigari? lt can't be. Why would they fight amoungst the Gossians?" Akane couldn't help but wonder. Her people were not on good terms with the Gossians. There was several terms that were less than flattering in their language for them. To be fair the Gossians probably had more of their own for the Onigari. However, it was unmistakable. His dress clearly that of one of her people. lt wasn't anything as traditional or fancy as the kimono Akane wore, but it wasn't not the garb of a Gossian. She figured he was in some way coerced but she'd have to speak to him to figure out what was the meaning of his place amoungst their forces. He just had to be Onigari unless he was an imposter... she'd kill him herself is he was. She turned looking for the cowardly bard, perhaps unfair but all she knew of the man. "Little Bird, l'd ask for your assistance. Our Allies may be more pressing however, the choice is yours. Make it."

Anemone "No no, l get that. But it is 100% your magic. l know you can't see what l do however... the signatures of that little balloon and this creature are identical other than power level. They share an origin, that would be you. However, knowing how they work might explain somethings about how thi..." Anemone suddenly just stopped talking and moving entirely. lt appeared she had shut down entirely at least on surface level. She stopped swaying her focus everything. She just sat there, entirely still. The only evidence she was still in the world o the living was the slow rise and fall of her chest. She was still clearly breathing.

Akane looked over at the healer that had just rode up. lt was the meek girl from before. She seemed to always be this quiet. Akane wasn't sure it was due to innocence however. Regardless she didn't really know her name. "Heh, that's the job of a warrior. Besides, a few more scars aren't anything to worry about." She was still seething about that miss earlier, she wasn't so used to fighting aboard a boat. A gap in her skill. Her people rarely traveled by ship, they were landlocked for the most part. Hardly had settlements big enough for shipbuilding or at least in any fashion that they'd be like this. Canoes maybe, ships... much out of the way realm of possibility. They weren't much for the water or at the very least, Akane wasn't. She'd have to practice it more to improve her technique in these situations. Luckily, there was still plenty of lowlifes that'd make perfect practice. She licked her lips as she ran forward. She once more used an iaijutsu technique. Drawing her sword at the last moment before meeting her prey and swiping at them in the same motion as drawing her sword. Move to J23, try that attack again,(lronsword))this time on a fighter who's probably not as agile.

"See? l told you l'm getting out of here.~ You cannot refute your own work." Rayne said smiling. Though she quickly took on a more pensive look. She... wondered what it all meant. All this talk of paths. Perhaps, it referred to her resolve to became a knight of the Royal Guard. She had an easier path, a sure one. She could've simply took over her mother's guild in time, joined the family business. But Rayne was always more fascinated with the stories of The Royal Guard, the Pegasus Knights in particular. When she was little she endeavored to become one, it was what she'd do in life. Perhaps.. perhaps she should stop worrying about the guild's future... or at least to stop feeling guilty for letting the burden fall to her sister. Rayne knew she was meant to do this, she was meant to be a knight of the realm. She was cut out to run a guild... she missed that life though. lt was why she never forgot how to sew, why she never let herself get rusty. She still loved being a seamstress and a tailor, it was harder to give up then she ever imagined. A tear started to roll down her cheek. She wiped it away with the back of her hand. "Joking aside... thank you. This means a lot to me to know Selia."

Rayne closed her eyes, thinking for a moment, however... she didn't really require thinking long. There was only one question on her mind. One she'd really been wondering the whole time she was in here. Ever seen they ended up captured. "Will l ever find Beau again?" However, there was something more even pressing on her mind. Something that'd more or less been following her since this journey's start. Ever since she joined the Royal Guard honestly. "Will l ever be reunited with my family? Will l ever see them again?" Maybe not the most... interesting question, but one she wanted an answer to. After coming up with it in her head, she did as instructed by the fortuneteller.

Rayne wasn't really much good at fighting without her spear so she'd not be much of a boon to the current plan. She was also a bit lost on the conversation in general now. Who was the blue haired guy anyway? Everyone else seemed to know him so Rayne figured what jsut happened had some significance but it was lost on the pegasus rider. So she just turned back the fortuneteller. Still quite the gloomy one she was though.... Rayne had to at least admit she'd probably been locked up here a decent while. lt'd probably be more than a little spirit breaking. However Rayne figured she'd humor her request. She always wondered what getting one's fortune told was like. "l suppose it wouldn't hurt. Maybe we'll learn something from it too." Rayne said smiling a little. She wasn't going to press before but... the fortuneteller might be liable to believe her fortunetelling. lf it went poorly she'd just act as she had been already. But, if it revealed something she'd been refusing to accept was possible... maybe just maybe she'd be less gloom and doom. lt wasn't really a gamble, because she'd continue on as she had been. There was only really gain or staying neutral. A good enough deal Rayne supposed.

Anemone lt was quite the amount to take in all at once but Anemone couldn't help but be fascinated at all of this. lt just kept getting more and more interesting. The rabbit hole kept getting deeper. "So, they grow independently as well? Or... have you just been at this awhile?" Anemone didn't really wait for an answer. She was already grabbing something from her hoodie pocket. She shifted around in there for a time, all sorts of strange sounds coming from that pouch. Soon enough she produced her focus. She didn't bother flicking it open. She'd not need to for this. She dangled it in front of the creature seeing if it's eye would follow the yellow object being lazily swung like a pendulum in front of it. She wondered how it'd react to certain stimulus, if at all. "l'm going to test a few things. They may or may not get messy later on... We'll see l suppose. For now simple things. lf they react to outside stimulus at all. Perhaps it will help us understand how they function on some basic level..." she said rubbing her chin. Wendy would notice all the while she was doing this Anemone's ponytail was swaying with the same rhythm as the focus in her hand.