View source for 2892/Heads Will Roll

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2015/08/23
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC>
|Synopsis=What happens when a thousand-years-dead samurai warlord's rest is disturbed by a fox defiling the place where his head was buried?

(Answer: Chaos and awesomeness, plus the occasional rolling head.)
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=8, 255, 290, 560, 606, 626, 705, 707, 715, 774, 828, 847
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
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{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>A few moments ago, Xiaomu was heading to the Mound of Masakado's Head in Omotesando, Tokyo-52605, when she saw (or smelled) that the mound had been desecrated.<br /><br />As of right now, though, all hell is breaking loose across the city: the weather has gone from 'sunny and mild' to 'outright calamitous' in record time (even for Tokyo), and it's not just thunderbolts and spiky hailstones that are starting to descend out of the clouds.<br /><br />Kamaitachi (sickle-weasels) are riding the winds and trying to slash at pedestrians fleeing the sudden rain; spirits that look like nothing more than flying heads - some normal, some huge - are swooping down on others, disrupting their flight for safety - and is that a nue flying around amongst the thunderclouds? At least *it* isn't making trouble ...<br /><br />Or it doesn't SEEM to be, until a bolt of lightning crashes down onto a train intersection, knocking out the Yamanote loop until they can reset the breakers.<br /><br />There's trouble all over, really, but there's a particularly bad patch in Akihabara: bakeneko who've gone from blending in with the cat-eared maids to lashing out like any alley-born stray gone feral, oni who could have passed for sumo wrestlers throwing down with anyone who catches their eye ... fifty-seven varieties of chaos, and counting.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:828|Geralt of Rivia (828)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, this city certainly is different to any Geralt has encountered before. It's only due to his unique Witcher mindset that he's not too enraptured by all the sights, sounds and bright lights that make up the city. He focuses on the ghosts and monsters because, well, that's his job. The city itself is like something out of a fever dream to a man who comes from a medieval world. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So, silver sword in hand, chain and leather armor on, wind whipping his white hair about, Geralt makes his way down the street, looking like he's going to pick a fight with the biggest oni in Akihabara. "Hey," Geralt says, trying to get the monster's attention away from a group of civilians. "How about you pick on someone your own size?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The chaos is pierced by a gleaming red flash seen across a few blocks. A crimson streak flies up towards the Nue!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emiya Shirou stands atop a rooftop holding a black bow, exhaling and letting his body recover a little from the strain that was projecting, altering, and firing a pumped-up (and wildly unstable) version of HRUNTING, the sword that will not miss.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And it won't miss, either. Should the Nue dodge or parry the weapon will just turn around in the air and try to hit it again. On impact it will EXPLODE like a grenade. Not a cataclysmic eruption of power, Shirou doesn't have the prana or experience for that.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But it'll definitely hurt.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thi is way too crazy!" His teeth are clenched tightly, rage filling him. Rage at whoever started this riot. Where are they, anyways?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:290|Rebecca Chambers (290)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Normally, Rebecca Chambers is used to dealing with bio-organic weapons that manifest themselves in the forms of zombies and other monsters that could only be described as things that come out of horror movies. More traditional spirits and things like that aren't exactly her forte, but she's willing to give it a try. No matter what the risks or how bizarre it seems. Then again, can you really blame her after all that she's been through in her years with S.T.A.R.S.?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Nope, didn't think so!)<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a tactical shield strapped to her left arm, Rebecca Chambers arrives in the area quickly and takes note of what's going on. She's dumbfounded, but not too shocked, as she's become accustomed to weird things like this happening all the time. When she finally spots the monster, she peers out long enough to yell, "You are going down, there's no other way of solving this!" Forget rules of engagement where you have to shout for compliance, does anyone really think this thing will surrender peacefully?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Don't use flashy powers'.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Setsuko soars in over the city, she grimaces quietly. Her choice in vehicles at least shouldn't be that problematic; a hoverbike is futuristic, but it's not supernatural. However, restricting her obviously supernatural ability cuts down a great deal of Setsuko's arsenal. No releasing Zanjintou to its full size, no blasts or cutting waves of divine power, no flight. She'll even have to be careful how much physical prowess she displays.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But that's fine. She can still draw her sword and cut down her enemies, and so she can still fight.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The hoverbike darts and swerves, the swordswoman defending herself against hail with her blades; upon spotting a kamaitachi going on the attack against civvies, however, her reaction is immediate: She guns the hoverbike, dives down, and starts going right after them. Anything within reach, anything attacking civilians, whether they be spirits or youkai, is subject to attack from the demigod.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How does the fury of a single god turn Tokyo from a bustling metropolis into a supernatural hodown? Something to do, maybe, with the fact that Taira no Masakado is a probably one of the oldest spirits in the city. Or maybe it's that he's a ridiculous powerful ghost-samurai god.<br /><br />Or maybe, just maybe, he's got one hell of a protection racket set up and happens to be footing the bar tabs of a half dozen Oni crime bosses.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whatever the case, the city of Tokyo is thrown into chaos, which means it's time for the Shinra Organization to take to the streets.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A bakeneko collapses in a pile of unconscious catness, largely by dint of the sudden crack of a pistol butt against the back of her head. The (un)fortunate young NEET underneath her stares up at his savior, and says, "Damnit, man! I totally had her right where I wanted her! We were goin' place--"<br /><br />Reiji Arisu shoots him a glare that could quite possibly freeze an erupting volcano.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We're presently in the middle of a state of emergency. If you do not want to be victim to this outbreak of..." Shit, what is it today, sunday? "--Cannibal Fever, please move to the evactuation centers, sir," the Shinra agent drones, loading a fresh clip into his handgun.<br /><br />"S-so she... LITERALLY wanted to eat me?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yes, sir," Reiji grunts, firing an anti-spirit slug into an otherwise inoccuous swirl of cutting wind. A Kamaitachi tumbles into a nearby bush. "At least, I assure you that she did not want to figuratively eat you."<br /><br />"Oh."<br /><br />"...Can I take her--"<br /><br />"No. Please go, and please do not give me reason to confiscate your phone."<br /><br />Goddamn, some days.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:774|Dorian Pavus (774)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The things I stumble into... sometimes I think the Maker hates me..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Muttering under his breath, Dorian views the choas happening with a critical, dry look.  Nonetheless, he heads into the fray himself, firing a few blasts of fire from his staff at some of the sickle demons plaguing travelers.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Now that's not nice at all," he says disapprovingly, with a cluck of his tongue.  "Don't you know it's not polite to eat tourists?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:715|Kenji Kawasaki (715)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Anger. Kenji can understand anger. Kenji can understand anger really, really well. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's not really anybody's fault that things got complicated. It's really not. It's not her fault, and it's not his fault, and it's not the other guy's fault. It's just that...it's just that Kenji thought one thing, and he was stupid, and that led to something else entirely. And like any human being, Kenji doesn't like feeling stupid. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He's angry about a lot of things around that situation. And just the other day he asked if they had anything really big he could hit. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, here he is. Kenji walks forward, hands in his pockets. His eyes glance left and right at Kamaitachi he can't see, as if he's getting a heads-up from some invisible source (he is). He ducks around some oni who, when he gives them the eye, just sort of back up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kenji is looking for a fight and someone has provided. None of these others want to be the goon who gets on his bad side. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geralt, Shirou, and Rebecca get offhanded glances as he walks through the chaos with the self-assured madness of somebody working off irrational, illogical fury, self-hatred, and - worst of all - mixed-up romantic feelings. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And /teen hormones/. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As he moves into the center of it all, Kenji throws out his hand. Fire burns at the end of his palm in an instant. It looks almost like it has a face. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "KOJI SHINTAI!" Kenji roars, and shoves the fire into his chest. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He ignites instantly. The blaze is staggering; heat rolls off the young teenager in waves. The fire crawls up his arms and down his pants, burning away the black of his leather jacket and the blue of his pants. It burns up his head, his hair going from laid-back black to burning fire. It ignites in his eyes, turning them from simple organs to pools of flame. It burns, in the chest, a circle, with a little fire insignia in the middle. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kenji lunges forward for the first thing he can grab. The first unfortunate monster gets a taste of a literal burning finger as Kenji shoves his hand onto the creature's face. It screams, twitching under his assault, until it falls still. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The next monster gets a blow to the face from a fist backed with divine power and holy fire. Then a second. Then a third. Good old-fashioned street fighting has a lot of kick when it's backed by a god. Kenji hammers it rapidly before he grabs a nearby fallen folding chair, and *that* then ignites, and he just starts beating the monster in the face with it until it, too, goes down. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kenji stalks past Reiji without a word, advancing down the street. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yeah, he's literally on fire. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No, Kenji doesn't have a 'subtle' mode. It's okay. He usually gets included in the 'mass hallucination' part of the story, and nobody'd recognize him anyway. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Besides, he's way, way, way too pissed for 'quiet'. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" Kenji roars, bringing his fist down on another monster. A corridor of fire pours down out of the sky, slamming into the thing like the fist of an angry god (it is). It ignites a few of the trees and plants, burning them to a crisp in the span of a heartbeat. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "FUCK YOU!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel had head enough she'd heard about the shrine the problems Xiaomu was having and she'd be happy t help. Maybe even her keyblade might be of use given the situation here she wss. Her fashion was a bit odd, or was it a bit more fitting given how Reiji and Xiaomu were dressed most of the time. She is coming on on her light cyckle as hey? She got asked to get here fast, thankfully the light wall is kept off after all. She doesn't want to cause issues coming to help. IT doesn't take long beore she arrives and the craft vanishes into wireframes, them motes of light. <br /><br /> "So this ... is quite a thing isn't it?" <br /><br /> Oh from what Reiji was saying ya things are about to get very insane.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...What...huh?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One of the actual still sane Bakeneko around muttered, stepping out to Reiji's side. "What did he think she meant by eating him?" Konoe asked curiously, arching a brow. She was wearing her Shinra vestments for this outing. Stuck out less. ...Well, less than usual. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A rustle from nearby is met with a rapid sweep of the arm and a trail of red. Several flaming needles are sent out like bullets, piercing into a nearby kamaitachi and putting it down without a fight. "...And now he wants to take her." She frowned. "Is that legal? That doesn't sound legal." Her ears twitched a bit, totally suspicious of said NEET's creep levels. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Where to next?" She asked, watching Kenji literally ogo on a warpath. ".......Wow."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:606|Jimmy Wen (606)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Mo-ther-fucker." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A pristine Honda Civic weaves in and out of traffic. Its driver, on a day with less hail and mass pandemonium, would almost certainly be pulled over for reckless driving. The rental agency is certainly going to have words with him--the hexing effect has already killed the right blinker after just ten minutes. His left hand holds a large roadmap, written entirely in Japanese, plastering it ineffectively to the steering wheel. Used to LA traffic, he leans on the horn proactively, before anyone else can do the same thing to him. A large block of hail crashes against the hood, and he makes the strategic decision to turn the wipers on. He looks to his right, at the passenger seat which holds his exorcism kit, resting snugly against the seat thanks to the seatbelt. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jimmy takes his eyes off the road to squint at the map. He makes a valiant attempt to read Japanese. "Sword, funky 'A', letter 'H' over a pine tree, home for sale sign. That must mean I'm he--" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; THUMP <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A catgirl is plastered across the windshield. Jimmy turns the wipers on again, then kills the engine before his magic does and steps out of the car.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Kyra arrives on the scene, she's immediately struck with the feeling of whiplash, brought on by the extremely variable weather Tokyo is currently undergoing. Muttering, she digs into one of the pouches at her waist and scoops up some headache-calming ibuprofen pills she dry swallows as she runs. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Before engaging anything, though, Kyra ducks into an alleyway so she can load hipotion dart rounds into her hunting rifle. Although she does have the CURE-ALL with her, it might be tricky trying to explain how a thing that looks like a grenade launcher actually heals people instead of blowing them to pieces. As she stands there in the rain, water sluicing off of her hood, loading the darts, trash cans crash and rattle behind her. When the white mage finally looks up, she finds the voluminous form of an oni towering over her, backlit briefly by a flash of lightning. Kyra's eyes widen and a squeal escapes her mouth as she drops the rifle (which dangles, because she wears a strap with it) and starts to reach for an ornate-looking pistol at her waist. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's not able to draw her weapon fast enough, instead caught by a backhand from a tree trunk-sized arm that sends her flying out of the alley and into the side of a parked car.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Most of the spirits running around are relatively weak, and easily disrupted - even WITHOUT anti-spirit weapons or munitions, although those certainly make things easier. Kamaitachi are small-fry wind spirits, easily scattered on the breeze again; the bakeneko whom Reiji took out would have been more difficult if he hadn't gotten the drop on her (plus his expertise in dealing with unruly youkai).<br /><br />On the downside, the oni are starting to focus their efforts; a pack of five of them is heading towards a jewelry store for anime fans - magical-girl anime jewelry, tokusatsu henshin toys with extra bling, the kind of stuff that LOOKS valuable if you don't know it's mostly plastic underneath the metallic veneer. Others are just continuing to roam around and raise far too literal sorts of hell. And then there are all of those flying heads; a small pack of them converges, gibbers together briefly, then zooms off at Setsuko as if they were actively in an attack formation.<br /><br />(Hint: THEY ARE.)<br /><br />Down on the ground, a 'catgirl' who looks more like the spawn of a tiger and/or a jaguar than your typical housecat comes around a corner ... spots Reiji ... and *POUNCES* with a yowl that's equally probable to be happy or hungry. He might need help with this one!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:828|Geralt of Rivia (828)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One down. Geralt takes a moment to wipe some gore off his silver blade and ascertain the situation. Alright, so, these 'oni' are still wandering about, looting whatever they find. There's a group of five and, while no one appears to be in danger, someone's going to have to deal with that. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Someone like a professional monster hunter. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geralt interposes himself between the five and the jewelry store. He's not protecting the merchandise per se, but rather the people who surely depend on it to make a living. He holds his silver sword in one hand, his body in a relaxed but ready stance. "So," Geralt says, "Any possibility you five might decide t'go back to wherever you came from? Not gonna ask again." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Still, one on five isn't good odds. He might need a hand.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:715|Kenji Kawasaki (715)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Weak is not really satisfying. It isn't doing anything for Kenji's anger. It isn't making him feel better about himself, it isn't letting him vent, it isn't letting him hit hard enough to get a really good impact off. They're just there. They're minor impediments. It actually pisses him off *even more* that nothing is putting up a real fight. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He continues towards the shrine, his fists, fire, and fury hammering against whatever gets in his way, and woe betide them all. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kojin, who has seen Kenji *angry* but never *in a blind fury*, worries from Kenji's chest. But there's not much he can do - he's not the driver, as he said, he's just the fuel.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:290|Rebecca Chambers (290)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By some luck, Rebecca just happens to be approaching the spot where the jewelry store is. Even with her shield up, she still has a small 'slot' which allows her to see in front of her. And while it's small, it still gives her a good view of what's in front of her. And there just happen to be some oni approaching. Even if they're demonic, that doesn't mean Rebecca's going to waste time looking for some kind of spiritual weapon. She's going for her Beretta, which she already loaded before her arrival.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't know Geralt or notice him right away, but he's not going to be alone for the time being. Rebecca's opening fire by popping out from behind her shield long enough to fire off a couple of shots.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a situation as bad as this one, there are so many things that COULD go wrong that it's impossible to address them all and stay sane. Kenji's fury is one that Reiji really, really wishes he didn't have to worry about. "Damnit," he mutters as the junior agent displays a worrisomely uncharacterstic disregard for his own safety. "I'm going to need eyes on him at all times," Reiji says to the ones still following him, his handgun targeting- and eliminating- another couple of Kamaitachi.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His glance flickers briefly towards Konoe. How... does he explain this one, exactly? "It's not," Reiji explains, "In fact it's very illegal. Don't worry about it for now, I'll explain... later. For now, we need to keep making our way to the shrine. Stay close."<br /><br />Provided, that is, that the situation doesn't find a way to get even worse.<br /><br />Speaking of worse.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Most cats exhibit at least some amount of subtlety. Not this one, though. Reiji turns just as soon as the tiger, or jaguar, or WHATEVER she is leaps into that terrible pounce! "Tch. Shisa!?" Gold fires, but is quickly replaced, a blade exploding from its sheath with a blossom of flame. Reiji manages to catch the tiger's claws along Karin's edge, but even the strongest exorcist can't just overpower a tiger. "The hell is it doing in Akihabara?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ughhh." Kyra groans as she picks herself up and quickly dives on the other side of the car, fearing that the oni will follow her. She waits, her revolver-the Luna's Resolve-gripped in her hands. After a few seconds pass... <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nothing happens. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra peeks over the hood of the car to see the oni walking off to join another group that are off to...rob a jewelry store? "Are we sure Lute isn't behind this?" Kyra asks no one in particular. Happy for the distraction, she trails behind the oni a few feet before calmly shooting the thing in the back. It's only one shot-one is hopefully all she needs because the Luna's Resolve actually shoots holy-aspected bullets that were custom made by Lloyd Irving.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortunately, you caught Setsuko on a good day, Geralt. She can offer /two/.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's not always the case.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The demigod's hoverbike swerves overhead as a formation of spirits come at her, using the fact that they're chasing after her to lure them away from people for a good long while. Just as she comes to a stop in the air above Geralt, however, she brings the vehicle about and then stands her 'ground', waiting until the last second... and then taking a single slash through the whole formation at once.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't even wait a heartbeat after that before dropping ten feet down to the ground, which puts her right beside Geralt, Zanjintou in hand. "They probably believe you so laughably weak that they find your threats amusing. Unfortunate for them," she adds.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All Emiya SHirou can do is try to deal with the Oni by raining some 'sword arrows' down on them. They're Youkai, so he expects they can handle a few impalements through the gut! So if he misses... not that big a deal, hopefully.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But before he does so, he fires a warning shot. A FROBERGE slams into the ground in front of the Oni pack from what's easily a kilometer away. Yeah, he's sniping from quite a ways up with that bow, somehow.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If he didn't know how to Reinforce his muscles for the strength needed, and his vision for the sight range, that would be utterly impossible!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Either way, the pavement in front of them goes KABOOM most spectacularly and chunks of legendary sword roll along on the broken ground out of it, before dissipating.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah, that's a warning shot. That might knock them all on their collective asses.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel takes a moment focuses and summons her keyblade, the weapon takes shape in her hand. the weapon might feel a bit strange but it might be due to Deele's nature as living data. She's quick to take action aginst the spirits, she'll be making use of the weapon to just cut them down, and hopefully dispell them for now. There are Oni and Deelel's rampage across the spirits doesn't last for too long to dela with the Oni on the other hand? That's going to be a bit more of a handfull really from the looks of it. <br /><br /> She wheels about and starts bounding after the Oni calling out. <br /><br /> "Hey boys! You got Game?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:774|Dorian Pavus (774)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the sickle demons at least shoo'd away for the time being, Dorian again pauses to take stock of the situation.  There's a lot going on in the air; unfortunately, aside from shooting fire or lightning randomly into the air, he doesn't have too many options to assist there.  He does see something he can do something about though.  Those very large, ugly giants.  Well, he assumes they're giants.  And someone he knows -- someone who actually did a favor for him not too long ago -- seems to be about to tangle with them.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He heads over in Geralt's direction, echoing something he said on the radio earlier.  "We simply must stop meeting like this.  It's hazardous to both of our health."  He also greets Setsuko, though the situation rather prohibits much of an introduction aside from a pleasant nod.  At least he's capable of keeping a smile in this situation, so he at least doesn't seem too unwelcoming.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Huh..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe let it go. There was already more trouble than they could handle for dumb questions. "Okay." For now though, they should make their way to the shrine. But first... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It must have come from the shrine." She surmised, drawing a few seals as the beast leapt upon Reiji. The man could handle himself, so she stepped aside to give him room. Rather than attack, she decided to support. "I'll try and capture it! Take it out!" A seal was slapped into the ground, producing a magic glyph onto the ground. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPIRIT SIGN - DUPLEX BARRIER <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A storm of seals erupted from the circle, forming a restrictive barrier to keep the shisa in place.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:606|Jimmy Wen (606)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jimmy opens the passenger door of the rental car and grabs a shoebox from the passenger seat, held closed with several judiciously applied rubber bands. Some research prior to coming here has given him an angle of attack. Most people in the past who tried to force Masakado into doing something have ended up with a sword in their gut. It's just as well, too, considering Jimmy's always been a honey before vinnegar kind of guy. All he has to do is get to the shrine with the others and talk some sense into the guy--treat him with the respect he feels he deserves. Or... take care of whatever's got him so pissed in the first place. That would prevent the necessity of dealing with him in the first place. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jimmy ducks into a nearby alleyway, then vaults onto a dumpster beside a one-story building. Standing on the edge of his toes, he places the shoebox on the roof of the building, then clumsily scrambles up and heaves himself over. Standing up, he dusts himself off and opens up the box. It's time to get some advice from the locals! Well, when one thinks of 'local...' <br /><br /><br /> The circle is drawn. Will is poured into it, sterilizing it, making it into a container. Jimmy begins shuffling his playing cards, a focus for the art of ectomancy. "Ancient enemy of the demigod Masakado! Your people have need of you, and this worthless outsider desires your counsel. I call to you in my time of need! Taira no Sadamori! Taira no Sadamori! Taira no Sadamori!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>A *silver* sword? Geralt can almost hear the oni thinking about how shiny it looks - and they focus on him first, their impromptu leader wresting a lamppost out of the pavement for an improvised cudgel, raising it high to knock Geralt out and steal his shinies. Shirou's 'warning shot' puts a swift and decisive stop to that, though - the 'arrow' explodes less than a pace ahead of the temporary boss oni, and with a frenzied howl, the towering demon staggers back, lamppost crashing to the ground as he clutches at the spot between his legs.<br /><br />Yes, oni have dangly bits. Apparently a piece of dislodged pavement hit the oni in them.<br /><br />Setsuko's trap pays off in spades; the ghostly heads charge right in and are easily sliced out of the air with eerie shrieks, and then she and Becky form up next to Geralt, Kyra keeps the would-be robbers from getting any reinforcements, her shot causing the oni to collapse onto its face, hard enough to crack the sidewalk. If it's not dead, it's at least out of the fight.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Shisa bats her eyelids at Reiji, leaning harder into his sword. "But it's been so long, Arisu," she sort-of-whispers, seemingly paying no heed to the barrage of seals erupting around her. "When were you ever going to come back to Okinawa for --" Suddenly, Kenji's Divine Flamethrower lights her fur on fire, and she runs off screaming, bouncing into the wall Konoe set up and trying AGAIN to break through it. Looks like the interns are earning their pay ... that is, if Kenji's paycheck doesn't all go into replacing incinerated trees and whatnot.<br /><br />And Jimmy's incantation elicits a howl of spectral fury as the invoked ghost materializes. "<span style="color:cyan">Masakado ... that murderous lout who doesn't know his place!! WHAT HAS HE DONE NOW, THAT UPSTART!?</span>"<br /><br />And the ground shivers beneath everyone's feet .... just briefly, but if you're attentive, you'd probably notice it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra quickly runs up to the collapsed oni as the revolver chambers the next round. Casually, she puts a foot on its back and kicks the oni a few times. If he's nonresponsive, she goes on ahead. If he's still conscious, Kyra will shoot him again. <br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Following that, she continues her sneaking along after the rowdy group of Oni looking to steal costume jewelry. As she gets closer, she picks up another oni to target, staying out of sight and hopefully our of range while she finds a good spot to load up her shot. There is a brief pause before she fires as the ground beneath her feet rumbles a little.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:828|Geralt of Rivia (828)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You could say that," Geralt tells Dorian, spinning his sword in a lazy arc. To Setsuko, he says: "Well, might as well see if they want to leave. Don't fight more than you have to." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They're not leaving though, evidently, because one of them swings a lamppost at the Witcher. Geralt jumps over it, somersaulting, and lands on his feet. They're bigger than he is, stronger than he is, but Geralt has fought trolls and giants before. It's a simple thing to remain nimble and quick on his feet. After all, they might only need one blow to put him down. The silver sword flashes out and Geralt hacks through hamstrings and calves, aiming to cripple the Oni, before he finishes them off with a flourishing blow! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geralt grunts, drawing his sword out of an Oni. "Could use a drink," he asides to Dorian.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:290|Rebecca Chambers (290)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rebecca was originally focused on the oni, but something about the ground beneath her gets her attention. Sure it might be Tokyo, and there are earthquakes there, but something about this doesn't seem right. Call it a sixth sense, call it intuition, call it what you will. Something just doesn't seem right. Even if it is brief, it's still gotten Rebecca's attention.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Keeping an eye on the remaining Oni, Rebecca takes a moment to reload before going after the remaining ones again. She doedsn't respond to Geralt just right now, since she's not in the mood to criticize other people's actions, especially those who aren't Union.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That's my usual policy. It's not a very kind one, though," the swordswoman admits to Geralt. Dorian receives a simple, respectful nod. And then it's down to business.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is little hesitation in Setsuko's demeanor. She can't utilize her divine power directly, and she can't use the full size of Zanjintou. So she has to get close. And that's exactly what she does, shifting a step or so to one side and then charging in. The demigod is careful to keep her speed within human limits - barely - but she still needs as much of the element of surprise as she can muster. With everyone descending on the oni at once, it shouldn't be hard; and when the opportunity to finish an ogre-like being in one stroke with a sword capable of cutting steel presents itself? You do whatever you can to take it.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When you're a super secret government spook-and-exorcist, you begin to develop a long and sordid history of strange encounters and unusual rendezvous. Apparently this creature is one of Reiji's- but it doesn't exactly seem to be a particularly... happy reunion. Or rather, the happiness associated with it is rather one-sided. "This is really not the time," the exorcist growls, leaping back as a mixture of divine flame and spiritual binding makes short work of his... possibly amorous(?) assailant.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji huffs, coming up behind the tigress to press Chirai's flat against the back of her burning neck. Lightning should incapacitate her for at least a while. But...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ground begins to tremble. Reiji's brow furrows as a not unfamiliar spiritual pressure exerts itself upon the surrounding area. "Didn't like the feel of that," he murmurs. "Konoe, Kenji, nice work," Reiji says, moving again towards their destination, "Let's keep moving. The sooner we subdue Masakado, the sooner we can get this mess to resolve itself."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And the Oni are stunned. And confronted by pretty much EVERYONE!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doesn't leave a lot more for Shirou to do over there, so instead he turns sharp eyes to scanning the streets. Here and there he fires off more arrows - swords, that is - which STAB HARD INTO THE GROUND in a rather scary way!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is literally raining swords. Though most of them are minor swords, these DO bear enchantments against the supernatural and will sting pretty bad if they hurt.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It should serve to scatter the wind weasels and other troublemakers too!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:774|Dorian Pavus (774)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dorian can't help a bit of a wince at the oni's plight.  It's reflexive.  Very few men can stomach the sight of another man -- or, well ... in this case, 'male creature' -- taking a hit to the junk.  He is, however, not affected enough to be unable to act.  When all hell breaks loose around them, the first thing Dorian does is try to place a barrier around himself, Geralt, and Setsuko (and whomever else may be close enough to benefit from it).<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Geralt and Setsuko spring into action, he backs up, to fling a few more fireballs from the serpentine dragons at the end of his staff, whenever it looks like there's space for one.  Wouldn't do to cause /too/ much more collateral damage, after all.  So he saves his bigger explosive spells, just in case.  Besides, there are enough people on these creatures; he doesn't need to start blowing things up.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then Geralt mentions a drink!  Dorian smirks.  "Sounds good to me.  We can see if there's a tavern still open afterwards."  He looks in the direction everyone else seems to be heading.  "If not, there's the Bar and Grill," he suggests.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Setsuko, "You're welcome to join us, of course."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel is getting an idea just how nuts things are here, and she wonders if this is a normal day on the job for Shinra? She's going to have to ask about it later now she's caught in the after effects of Shirou's workd and is pelted with wreckatge her a few bits cut her and deelel does not bleed. There's a strange blue glow from the wounds an she doesn't seem to happy. It's not really Shirou's fault however, really. she's now tracking the Oni that seem to be going here there and everywhere. She now takes to using the blunt side of the keyblade to smack the Oni. <br /><br /> "Are you really that glitched up?! Hey Xiaomu?! Are these things some kind of matter space virus?!" <br /><br /> She keeps working to dance about and get the Oni's attention. Maybe her glowing arm tattoos might get some notice here too as she attemps to deal with these guys.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:606|Jimmy Wen (606)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Now it's time for Jimmy to do what he does best: talk. "You mean you don't know? My lord, please forgive me for being the one to deliver such offending news to you." The wizard promptly takes a knee before the ghost, even though his will is holding Sadamori firmly within the bounds of the summoning circle. Let Sadamori think that he's in charge, and that his ideas are his own. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's not so much what he's done as what was done /to/ him. Masakado's shrine was profaned, and he has taken the lack of any clear and immediate culprit as proof that all of your people are to blame. One can always expect an undignified tantrum from an uncivilized brute. Some fool has provoked him, and he's raised an army to exact vengeance--demons from all corners of Hell are running wild, and I fear they won't stop until their furious master calls them off! My friends are on their way to do battle with him, but you of all people know a fight is exactly what he wants." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jimmy lets out a fake exasperated sigh, then looks up at Sadamori's ghost. "I bound you to this plane for counsel, because I'm truly at a loss, honored spirit. If only there were someone brave and noble enough to track down the wretched criminal who stirred up this beehive in the first place. Someone unbound by the bylaws of mortal existence... But where could we find such a hero?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Komoe nodded, letting the barrier dissipate. She could feel that pressure herself, and a frown adorned her face. "Yes. This nonsense can't continue." And she looked aside flatly. "If more people want to take youkai home like that other person..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A lot of morons were going to get eaten. Or maimed. Or maimed and eaten. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The cat sighed and pressed on after Reiji, catching up with him and procceding onward. "Why cause so much chaos within the city anyhow? Is Masakado trying to destroy everything?" The miko produced another set of seals and a few enchanted needles, keeping herself prepared just in case anything ELSE jumped out at them on their rush to the shrine. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I hope Kenji-san is okay..." Yes, he was on fire. That didn't look healthy. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ...Not that she had any room to talk about being on fire.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Subjected to a joint assault by Geralt, Becky, Setsuko, Dorian, and Deelel, with Shirou raining arrowswords from his vantage point, the oni are effectively dispersed. Granted, in at least one case, "dispersed" means that the particles comprising an oni's physical body are dispersing; the survivors are clearly looking for easier prey.<br /><br />The tide is turning, though - and the subtle temblor seems to have abated. Taira no Sadamori is looming over Jimmy Wen like a terrifying spectre. "<span style="color:cyan">I cannot pursue Masakado for you while hemmed in by this -</span>" The ghost kicks at the edge of the circle, but the barrier holds. "<span style="color:cyan">But I may seek action from authorities on the other side. If --</span>"<br /><br />"<span style="color:orange">SADAMORI!!!! AGAIN YOU PLAGUE ME?!</span>"<br /><br />Remember all those heads flying around? An especially fearsome and ferocious-looking one dives from the sky, icicles like a storm of arrows surrounding and following it, and the ghostly head of Taira no Masakado ... slams into the barrier of Jimmy's circle. That probably didn't do his mood any good, but Masakado gnashes his teeth at Sadamori before spinning to face Wen. "<span style="color:orange">Find me that fox and make a rug of her pelt, lest I do it myself!! Bad enough for me to be insulted so in life, but to be so disrespected in death is beyond any tolerance!!!</span>" Masakado pivots to glare at Sadamori again ...<br /><br />And then, with a howl that can only be classified as a bloodlust-filled battlecry, Masakado's spectral head goes rocketing off to the west of northern Akihabara. Reiji should know what's there; Kenji too, if he's thinking rationally at *all*.<br /><br />And for everyone else ... well, as if Masakado's howl was a beacon, EVERY youkai in the greater Tokyo metropolitan area seems to be homing in on the same point.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Well. That certainly was a hell of a yell.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji stops in his tracks, staring briefly up into the sky. His expression turns only slightly less pleasant. Or at least, it becomes noticably unpleasant, unlike his usual, unreadably stoic visage. "Right, change of plans," the exorcist mutters.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You two," he gestures at the two interns-- and immediately begins moving west. "Follow me. He's going after one of his shrines. We need to intercept him before he can get there."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:290|Rebecca Chambers (290)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rebecca notices where all the youkai and things like that seem to be heading. Figuring something big must be happening there she moves in after them. She keeps her shield raised just as a precaution, as she knows nothing about what else could be waiting around the corner. But she's definitely ready if there is anything... hopefully!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, that's more than a bit worrying.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Perhaps another time," Setsuko says to Dorian. "I have some duties to attend afterward." Then, she reaches into her pocket and taps on a small device there, a control that tells the hoverbike overhead to lower itself down. Though not a two-seater, there's at least room on it for one more if they don't mind not having a proper 'seat'; if Gerolt or Dorian want to jump on, they'll have a chance.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Either way, she's gonna wheel that hoverbike up into the air pretty soon, and head straight in the direction all the other spirits and youkai are going. It's hard to miss, really.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Coming!" Konoe answered quickly, bounding off after Reiji. They would need to move fast if they were going to intercept Masakado. Time was of the essence. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Which meant that the youkai that seemed to be all going in the same general direction were an annoyance and a distraction. Flaming ofuda and persuasion needles were tossed out to help keep the path clear enough of errant youkai and make the trip a straight shot through. Over cars, through underpasses, bounding down the streets. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She hoped they could make it on time. She didn't want to imagine what would happen otherwise.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel is dealing with the Oni and it seems they are done. She pauses as they seem to be turning to energy? How normal compared to other thing in this world. She now lowers her weapon for a moment it seems like they might have things mostly under control. She she's got an idea of what's going on now. She looks to the others now as they need to get going. <br /><br /> "All right lets go." <br /><br /> She pulls a rod out of a pocket, her blade vanishes in aburst of light. A moment later there's another thing forming a light jet takes shape and she's taking off to chase after him.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:606|Jimmy Wen (606)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jimmy goes board-stiff as Masakado berates him. Yeah, he probably shouldn't have been talking shit about the guy, but a little grease goes a long way. As Masakado flies off, he conceals his inner mirth with a convincing frown. "Did you see the way he gnashed his teeth at you? Disrespectful. You know, I think you were right, lord Taira. Masakado is forgetful of his place." At that point, Jimmy drops the faithful servant routine and exerts his Will over the ghost, attempting to force Sadamori into doing his bidding. "You should go wait for him at his shrine. He's bound to return, and when he does, you can settle the score with him."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Let's cut for a moment to the scene of the original problem - the Mound of Masakado's Head, in Omotesando, on the other side of Tokyo from Kanda and Akihabara.<br /><br />Xiaomu had the misfortune of being first on the scene to discover the desecration of the shrine, smelling it before she saw it. And that was just before all hell broke loose. Since then, Xiaomu has been hunkered down, occasionally darting to better cover as she shoots at various youkai who have homed in on her current hiding spot. As she confers with her allies on the radio, though, and hears how the situation is evolving elsewhere in the city, the sage fox is slowly coming to a particular conclusion: she can't just sit here and wait.<br /><br />Taira no Masakado is on a rampage that could well destroy Tokyo - if not physically wrecking the city, then at least uprooting everything about it that makes it a hotbed of human society. If Ouma was behind this, their scheme is well on its way to *working* - and Xiaomu happens to LIKE human society.<br /><br />The discussion on the radio turns to the subject of trying to make things right there at the head-mound. Xiaomu looks askance at the mess some fox left on the mound itself; Shinra's got a specialist team on the way, people who know how to re-sanctify the mound and clean the mess up without making things worse. Can she afford to keep waiting for them? ... Probably not, particularly given the bloodcurdling screech as Masakado rallies every single ghost and apparition that's surfaced since this crisis started.<br /><br />On the PLUS side, that takes the pressure off Xiaomu herself; she quickly walks over and kneels before the head-mound, keeping a tight grip on her monk-staff with her left hand. "Taira no Masakado, ancient warrior," she speaks softly but formally, "I do not know the fox who has desecrated this place of your honor. Should I find her, I shall hand her over to Lord Inari's judgment. Until then ..."<br /><br />She steels herself, reaches forward, and begins removing clumps of the fox's leavings, by hand for lack of a better tool, and setting them on the ground next to her - off the mound. "My comrades will soon arrive to properly cleanse your burial place," she continues. "I ask your patience just a little longer ..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra looks up after briskly hiding her gun underneath her hoodie. Sure, they /said/ she wouldn't get in trouble here if she was caught with a gun due to the current state of emergency but the punk white mage doesn't want to take any chances. Especially when she just busted a cap in the back of some mob-boss looking fellow. She's not eager to explain to a bunch of cops why she just did some kind of gangland hit. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the youkai start to move, Kyra follows them, quickly joining up with the others. She seems to gravitate towards Shirou who has proved to be a respectable meat shiel-er, tank, previously.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:774|Dorian Pavus (774)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They're moving to a different place now, and Dorian doesn't have his horse with him.  He does, however, know of a way to get there.  When all hell started breaking loose, people started leaving their vehicles behind, with the keys still in them.  There's got to be one that's open enough for him to get into it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"All right, let's see here..." he murmurs as he sets the staff in the floorboard on the passenger's side.  He begins to assess the vehicle's controls.  "Hmm... three pedals, a wheel, and lever.  Can't be too hard to figure out."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...Famous last words.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel is making her way with the others to the next shrine. She doesn't like the smell at all and that's saying something given her experiance in materila space. She comes in for a landing, her craft vanishes in a burst of light and she's falling in to work with Xiaomu. She bows slightly to the spirit? The God? She's not sure but she's going to be respectful that' much is clear.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:828|Geralt of Rivia (828)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hey, wait a second," comes a gruff voice from outside Dorian's car. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geralt of Rivia pokes his head down, glancing in through the window, golden eyes alight in the darkness. "This thing's some kind of cart, I'll get in the back. You know what you're doin'?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And Geralt does exactly that, hopping into the backseats - somewhat awkwardly given his combination of physique, two swords and armor. Still, he manages it. "Go," he advises, although he has no idea how this thing is supposed to go. Where's the horse?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thankfully for Shirou he's not as stuck on that rooftop as he looks. With all of the distance involved, not counting his height, he's got very few options here. Gulp.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Guess there's no choice... Trace on!" A spear forms in his grasp, but not just any. It's an AERODYNAMIC ROCKET SHOCKSPEAR. One of Vruasa's. He mounts the thing precariously and takes off with a PCHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah, BANG, ZOOM, off goes Shirou on a flying spear. Hanging on for dear life!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Right after the Youkai.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>With a growing retinue of specters, apparitions, and assorted other Japanese things that go bump in the night, the floating ghostly head of Taira no Masakado is rapidly approaching Kanda Myojin Shrine, howling in the anticipation of triumph. Nothing, mortal or immortal, can stop him from reaching the shrine where he is honored as a guardian deity of the city of Tokyo; never mind that he's far from his appointed role as a guardian, Kanda Myojin is STILL a power base that he can capitalize upon.<br /><br />He doesn't count on the youkai that his activity stirred up actually getting in his way, though. Masakado keeps plowing forward, but the crowd of youkai and spirits is slowing him down regardless - and when Dorian figures out how to make a car move, if he can keep it on the road and not play bumpercars with other abandoned vehicles? He's going to make pretty good time. Nowhere near as good as Shirou, mind you - the young swordmage is probably going to be the very first mortal (or near-mortal) arrival at the shrine. Kanda Myojin is a pretty small place, tucked away where you have to know it's THERE to find it on foot, but the flocking spirits make a really good landmark.<br /><br />There's one other being who doesn't have to put up with the restrictions of mortal ground-traffic, too: Taira no Sadamori, unleashed by Jimmy Wen's conjuration and manipulation, makes a beeline for Kanda Myojin, bulling through spirits even more brusquely than Masakado himself - not in time to stop Masakado's arrival, but no sooner does Sadamori cross the shrine's perimeter than Masakado lets out a roar of utter fury ...<br /><br />And the ancient ghost starts to manifest the rest of a body for himself, seemingly drawing shape, armor, and swords right out of the ground of the shrine.<br /><br />It's not exactly 'materializing,' mind you: Masakado is still a ghost, and it would take a LOT more power for him to become corporeal again. But he looks much as he did in life now, clad in full samurai armor, drawing his katana as he snarls at Sadamori, "<span style="color:orange">Once again you stand in my way ... and this time, I will take your head for the affront!</span>"<br /><br />Sadamori - who was at least a 'full-body' ghost, not just a head - responds by armoring up and drawing one of his swords. "<span style="color:cyan">Wrong, Masakado! It is time to expunge the stain you left on the Taira clan, once and for all!</span>"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:774|Dorian Pavus (774)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The question of does he know what he's doing gets Dorian to reply cheerily, "Not a clue, I'm afraid.  But I'm sure it can't be that hard."  He /has/ watched some television, so he knows there's a key to turn.  He does... and nothing happens.  "Hmm..."  Wait that's right.  The pedals.  Which one?  He always saw the right one be stepped on.  So he turns the key again, pushing the right pedal.  "Ah!  There we go," he proclaims as the car starts.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"All right."  A look back at Geralt.  "You may want to use those convenient belts they have back there to strap yourself in.  I'm told they'll keep you safe."  Yes he's arrogant, but he's willing to admit he doesn't know everything when someone else's life may be in danger.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...This is likely to be an unpleasant ride.  Geralt may later thank whatever gods or spirits he venerates that this car isn't a stickshift.  Dorian will follow the youkai to the shrine, and will indeed get both himself and Geralt there in one piece, though the car will require a little body work.   A little Bondo and buffing and it should be fine, right?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Actually no.  When Dorian does finally get to the shrine, the front bumper is hanging loose, the back bumper is missing entirely, the trunk is open, the paint has been scraped on both sides, and both headlights and taillights are broken.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;HEY EVERYBODY'S ALIVE AND THAT'S WHAT MATTERS!  Also they're there.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dorian gets out of the car, bringing his staff with him.  Then he surveys the damage to the car.  "...Well that could have gone better," he mutters.  A mild understatement.  Though to his credit, he didn't cause too much damage for having never even seen the driver's side of a car in real life before.  When Geralt gets out, he'll add, "But we're here, and not dead!  So that's something."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he looks up at the ghosts.  Now what?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A mad dash towards a shrine... only to come to a stop just as she arrives. Setsuko is fine with this, mostly for the reason why; she will be able to witness a warrior god doing battle. As a half-deity whose divine side is aspected to war, and whose human side is a lifelong soldier, it's something she's quite content to spectate.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, things could get out of hand. So, with a simple hop, she jumps off her hoverbike and plants herself on the ground, one hand on Zanjintou and ready to draw. If she has to exert herself to contain the fight, she will. But otherwise, it's not her duel.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:828|Geralt of Rivia (828)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geralt frowns at Dorian, obviously expecting him to know how to handle this mechanical horse-less cart. He looks at the belts and fiddles with them for a moment, managing to strap himself in. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Which, really, is a good thing. Geralt's not sure what a good driver is like but he also really has no idea what a bad one is - maybe Dorian is just the standard? He bangs his head at least once and swears under his breath. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geralt steps out of the car, one hand on the swords at his back. He glances at the car, then at Dorian. He grunts out, "Yeah, good handlin'," he says. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I've got a few bombs that can work on ghosts, a few signs. What've you got?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou comes to a screeching, hoppingg, shakey halt near the shrine. ... meaning, he goes tumbling across some grass and is lucky to have landed in any at all. He rattles, rolls, and bounces. The boy REALLY has to work on those landings! The only reason he's not getting killed from them is a bit of magic in his favor. "Arghkch... I really need to practice using that thing..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This gives him a prime opportunity to get a load of the ghost duel as it starts up.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cue his eyes going hella wide. This isn't what he was expecting to see!<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra cannot keep up with a TIME ROCKET SPEAR. Her hand strays to the Summon Matrix strapped to her belt, though bringing a chocobo into the world would be 'breaking the Masquerade' and-"Screw it." she mutters to herself. "If people get to fly around and summon ghosts-" she turns the dial on the egg-timer-looking device and seconds later, a yellow-feathered chocobo pops into existance next to her with a spray of green sparkles. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A bit of chocobo-riding later, she manages to get ahead of the wave of incoming demons and arrive just as the two ghosts are squaring up against each other. Kyra looks contemplative and hops off of her temporary transportation, which disappears seconds later. As the rest of the demons catch up to them, she grins. "Alright folks, looks like we're about to have a serious rumble in a few seconds! Who wants to place bets?" Kyra pulls out her mPad, ready to record some bookkeeping.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even while on-foot, Reiji Arisu is apparently capable of making some pretty damn good time. Years of practice in keeping up with spirits of all kinds have made him remarkably swift in his own right. Unfortunately, it's not quite quick enough to make it to Kanda Myoujin before Masakado and his eternal archrival begin setting up to turn the temple into a battlefield between two terribly dangerous ghosts.<br /><br />But there's presently a slightly more pressing threat to the city- that of a veritable horde of evil spirits encircling the shrine.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is just the symptom of a much larger problem, of course. But Masakado is presently contained, and he can give the so-called Guardian God of Tokyo a piece of his mind after they've arrested and/or pacified the youkai. Reiji descends into the horde like a man possessed, Karin exploding from its sheath in a plume of heat and fire.<br /><br />And if the ghosts are still going even after he and whoever else is helping out have done Masakado's job for him, THEN there will be a hell of a reckoning.<br /><br />For now, Reiji Arisu has different sorts of monsters to mash.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe had no vehicles or ROCKET SPEARS, but...she was from Gensokyo. She didn't need those things. Without any incantations or preparations, the cat just lifted right into the air and proceeded to FLY through the city streets above, avoiding the crowding youkai above and picking off any aerial annoyances on the way. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Even she doesn't make it in time to stop Masakado from reaching the shrine, but from her vantage point, she can see that another ghost was holding him off. A duel? ...Well, far be it for her to interrupt a duel between SWORN ENEMIES. So instead, Konoe decided to set her focus on the more immediately pressing task at hand. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The swarming youkai. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They couldn't gain entrance to the shrine, but nonetheless, as long as she was an agent of Shinra, clearing them out was also a priority. Right? ...Maybe. Whatever! Drawing an ofuda, the miko set it ablaze, burning it up and drawing on the spiritual power contained within. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; UNKNOWN RELIC - FLAME SANCTIFIER ORB <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A flaming ying yang orb formed above her opened palm, raised in the sky. It grew larger and larger, until it was quite huge. Like a massive spiritual bomb. And then she hurled it down below, aiming to scatter the youkai ahead of Reiji.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel is looking at the spirits she knows things are strange here to her. She knows some of them are not inately hostile or bad so she'll give them their due. After all the locals have a Shine for some of them so there is something to that ot so she feels. Then the other rrives and the pair are about to have a show down it seems. She tenses up a little bit and starts to fall in as she looks at the hordes of Youkai she redies her keyblade which is a weapon of light and a fairly strong one too. <br /><br /> She start to focus and chant casing a haste spell on her allies which should speed up and help them in this pending fight should they need it. She's going to leave the two to their duel she's not the sort to crash that, she gets that much about the culture here.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Picking off swarming youkai is a good idea; it makes sure that any who don't choose to remain a captive audience aren't going to get the chance to go back to raising hell (in variously literal shades) once the show is over.<br /><br />As for the duel itself ... it's the first time in centuries that anyone has had a chance to see real samurai (even ghosts) fighting. It's not quite as rigid as a kendo match; while ghosts can recover from damage to their bodies, it takes time and effort - and neither Masakado nor Sadamori are going to allow each other the time or focus required; furthermore, they both know it. The two ghostly samurai battle back and forth across the shrine grounds, going from single- to dual-wielding as their battle progresses, too focused on each other to do much in the way of collateral damage (which is likely just as well) - until finally, Masakado manages to stab Sadamori in the leg, ripping his blade out in such a way as to sever a spectral hamstring, leaving Sadamori on one knee.<br /><br />The next thing to be cut through is Sadamori's neck, and Masakado follows that up by kicking the now-headless body over while Sadamori's spectral noggin rolls and bounces to a halt.<br /><br />"<span style="color:cyan">Damn you, Masakado - !!!</span>" are Sadamori's last words before his ghost disintegrates. Masakado, for his part, simply sheathes his blades and sits down on the ground, arranging his legs underneath him seiza-style. He looks around at the mortals (and near-mortals) who came to Tokyo; the youkai are thinning out even faster now.<br /><br />"<span style="color:orange">So. Tokyo has changed much since I last awoke to take notice ...</span>" His gaze rests in particular on Konoe, Geralt, Deelel, and Dorian, with a curious glance at Shirou. "<span style="color:orange">Interesting. Perhaps conquering Japan again will be worth the effort someday.</span>"<br /><br />He turns to look towards the southwest. "<span style="color:orange">But not today. Sadamori lies defeated, the desecration of my head's resting place is being rectified ... Some of you, I should love to fight myself. Not today, though.</span>"<br /><br />The look that he sweeps across each of you is partly a smirk, partly a sneer, and partly a genuine smile of appreciation. "<span style="color:orange">Brave warriors, all of you. I think we shall meet again - perhaps not as enemies.</span>"<br /><br />If one of the exorcism specialists tries to lay Masakado's spirit back to rest at the end of that speech, there's basically no resistance. Otherwise, he just fades back into the aether and stops being visibly present - and by the time he's fully vanished, so have the youkai who'd been stirred up.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I would not be displeased to fight alongside you, Masakado," Setsuko replies, lowering her hand from her blade's grip. "May it be a battle we can both take pride in."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With that much dealt with, she turns to step away, taking a quick hop upward to mount her hoverbike again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She'll help with the mop-up, if need be, and deal with any youkai or spirits still hanging around the city.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:774|Dorian Pavus (774)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I have magic," Dorian responds to Geralt's question regarding what he can bring to the battle.  "Here, you'll need this."  A blue-white glow forms in the palm of his left hand, and he makes a sweeping motion with that arm.  A blue-white magical circle appears one the ground under both Geralt and Dorian for a moment, and Geralt might find himself covered by the same Barrier spell as before.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Picking off youkai?  Good idea.  While the two more powerful ghosts fight, the Tevinter mage does exactly that.  If Geralt does the same, Dorian will move to support him along the way-- Geralt can engage a youkai and have Dorian whittle it down with fireballs, or Dorian could freeze a youkai in place and let Geralt carve it up.  Heck, if it comes down to it and a youkai goes melee range to Dorian?  It will likely get bludgeoned!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The numbers of youkai will probably thin out by the end of the battle enough that Dorian can afford to turn and see what's going on with the two ghosts.  It so happens that he turns just in time to catch the end of the ghost's battle, and sees Masakado's ghost behead the other.  Can a ghost even die?  Well, something like a spirit of the Fade, they'll probably just go back to wherever they came from.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, once it's all said and done, Dorian listens to Masakado's words.  He nods, and then bows politely and respectfully.  "Rest well, great spirit."  Once Masakado disappears, he sighs.  "What a day..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Curses. Kyra's plan to extort money from demons has failed. Clearly this sort of thing must only work in Shin Megami Tensei Japan. She looks forlorn, especially as she goes unacknowledged by either ghost. "Hashtag healer problems." she mutters, nonethless sticking around to help with the cleanup of Akihabara.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well that was anticlimactic. But that's GOOD by Shirou's standards. No more people will get endangered. As the ghosts fade out, he gravitates over towards Kyra. "Hash-what?" Seems he might've heard her, if only barely. "These kinds of things just keep happening. Are you alright?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortunately, Reiji is agile enough to avoid being caught up in Konoe's rather tremendous firebomb. He does, however, use the ensuing explosion to leap deep into another cluster of youkai. By the time he's done, there's... Not really all that much left, to be honest. With pretty much everyone else pitching in, the work isn't all that difficult to handle.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Soon enough, all that's left are the ghosts- and even they don't dwell for too long. Reiji grunts as Masakado triumphs over his hated rival, sliding his own blades back into their sheathes. "That could have gone worse," he mutters, taking a moment to empty his handgun's slide. "Konoe, everyone, nice work. All that's left now is the cleanup."<br /><br />...And the inevitable mountain of paperwork.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe watched from her position in the sky, looking between the end of the duel and the cleanup of the youkai below. Both seemed to have gone without any further trouble, thankfully. Once it was confirmed that it was over, the cat descended from the air, landing nearby Reiji. "...It could have been much worse." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She looked around, noticing the mess, now that the adrenaline was fading away. "...Cleanup..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her ears flattened against her head and she narrowed her eyes.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel takes a moment to listen to the spirit? Or is it a god? She's not sure which but the battle seems to waining now as she starts to make use of her keyblade now the weapomn swings well enough and it's got a lot of mass going, which Deelel seems pretty apt to make use ot the weapon. IT's blade slices through the air as unlike most keyblades the duel disc has a actual cutting edge to it. <br /><br /> Then it comes to an end and she bows after banishing her weapon. <br /><br /> "Thank you and I hope so as well."<br> <br>


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