Chapter 284
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Chapter 284:
The Girls and I portaled back to Yasaka's office almost immediately, surprising the Fox.
"You didn't have to come back so soon, it isn't that dire of a situation." Yasaka commented.
"We were basically done anyways." I waived off her concerns. "Besides, it sounded like something you don't want to be dealing with right now."
"....that's not untrue." She admitted before sighing.
"Yasaka, is there something the matter?" Artoria asked.
"Did Wilhelm fill you in on our latest concerns?" She asked.
"Indeed." Artoria's expression hardened. "I will do everything in my power to make sure they does not threaten your domain."
"That's sweet of your to say." Yasaka softened considerably. "However, and I'm probably being a hypocrite for saying this, but don't get anxious over something beyond your control. You're not at fault for any actions caused by other people." My Fox got up from her desk and walked over, sweeping up Artoria into a hug.
Honestly, I think after their meeting, they'd gotten closer as a group.
"We have had the same conversation." Raikou said with an amused tone.
I just noticed how on Artoria's case they both were. Was there something I wasn't aware of? And It wasn't in a negative way, they were being very supportive of her.
Not that I was at all against it, just an observation.
"How has that whole situation been going? I presume Nurarihyon's information had been helpful?"
Yasaka finally let go of the smaller woman who let out an embarrassed noise after being dislodged from between her bosom. "We've had no hits so far, but there have been some.....traces." The initial posting of this chapter occurred via Ñøv€l-B!n.
"Traces, what traces?" Artoria asked for clarification.
"Scáthach's wording and I did not receive much elaboration. And from what I understand, she has complete confidence in hunting down any errant Fae in my territory."
"It's easy to forget about her life before she was confined to the Land of Shadows for thousands of year." I ran a hand through my hair, almost subconsciously. "The Fae were very active during her years, and I'm sure she's had her fair share of run ins."
"Yes, I would hazard a guess that Scáthach has even more experience than I do. Most Fae I've run into – beyond the reoccurring ones – were.....benevolent in nature." Artoria seemed to choose her final words carefully. "Regardless, I am intimately aware of the chaos that can arise from them acting without proper oversight. This is not their lands, they will not be allowed to run rampant."
"My experience is with Youkai, Oni, and ghosts." Raikou hummed contemplatively. "I fear I may not be much use in this endeavor beyond a sword to bare. Perhaps I would serve better watching over Kunou in the meantime?"
"That would be phenomenal." Yasaka looked relieved. "If I don't have to worry every moment she's out of my sight, I believe I'll be able to get much more done."
"Leave her to me." Raikou smiled brightly. "No one will harm her." I saw a hint of killing intent flash through her eyes.
"Scáthach is hunting, huh." I threw my hands behind my head, leaning against her desk. "Should I feel sorry for them?"
Yasaka quirked a smile. "Let's debate that after we see what happens. But for the moment, I am beyond caring. If the old man's to be believed, they probably kidnapped and replaced some of my citizens."
"Tis a normal action that they take." Artoria shook her head with a frown. "Long have they been known from replacing others lives out of their strange whims."
The stories of changelings weren't just stories.
A very real reality that Artoria experienced in her life.
"Have you tried reaching out to Izzy yet?" I asked.
"I have not." Yasaka admitted. "I was mulling over if I should or not. It felt like.....taking advantage of her."
"She would love to be of assistance." Artoria interjected assuaging her concerns. "And I believe she would find them coming into her lands....distasteful."
"And now I'm picturing an angry Izanami descending upon some unsuspecting faerie, and thus my mood has brightened." Yasaka perked up. "I did plan on inviting her to the festival regardless, an official invitation that is."
All three of them shared a look then glanced at me before giggling.
"I feel like I'm the butt of a joke."
"Why ever would you have that feeling?" Yasaka replied with a grin.
"Moving on." I rolled my eyes. "I have a favor to ask. I know supplies are still low at the moment, basic stuff to keep your territory operating. But...does that include things like weapons?"
"Weapons?" Yasaka blinked. "Not particularly. We didn't experience any major combat and the damage was done by small – insidious groups – who struck key locations and caused widespread damage. Why do you ask?"
"Over in Skyrim, they're pretty much suffering from low – everything. I was talking to Thorum and they specified food, arrows, and spears as being at the forefront....and obviously potions and such but...."
"I heard briefly about the Dragon attacks, is it really that bad?"
"It is not a pleasant sight." Artoria's face darkened. "I have seen many a field and town ravaged by fire. From what I have heard from the common folk, it is not uncommon for a Dragon to fly down every couple weeks, scorch the earth, and devour any livestock, only to fly off again."
"Tell me about it." Yasaka let out a long breath.
"What is Sairaorg up to right now? You said he's here, right?"
"I believe he had been diverted towards the training grounds while I figured out what to do."
".....and Mordred is at the training grounds..." Artoria suddenly spoke up. "I am suddenly filled with dread."
"Oh dear." Yasaka blinked. "I did not think of not, and the others may be there as well."
"And from the few things Nurarihyon said, he's an idiot that likes to fight, right?"
The look on her face pretty much said everything.
***
Artoria and I walked towards the open training area at a brisk pace. We expected conflict, brawling and the like to be taking place, and while that was in fact happening, it was not what, or rather with who I had expected.
Arrows were flying nonstop, to the point where it took me a moment to settle everything that was going on in front of me.
I noticed Sairarorg out of the corner of my eye based on his description, and he was...standing off to the side, staring at the same scene we were. I think those were his Peerage members standing along side him as well.
There were also people I recognized, Mordred was standing in a daze, watching as well. Along with Arthur, Le Fay, and even Achilles.
But most importantly....
"GET BACK HERE YOU DISGUSTING CREATURE!" Atalanta screamed, releasing another barrage of arrows towards someone I didn't recognize.
Her target was a man.....young adult? His age was ambiguous. He had dark orange hair, a medium height and a strange jewel on his forehead. "Neh, Neh, Neh, can't touch me~" He danced around the barrage. Or so it looked at first glance, in actually, a good portion of the arrows were.....deflected before they could make contact with him.
It was like they couldn't hit him for some unknown reason.
The Arrows infused with Magical Energy exploded against him, yet he still remained unscathed.
"Let's test that!" She growled, aiming her bow up into the sky and gathering a significant amount of Magical Energy.
I knew what was coming, well enough that I was about to reach for my sword, except someone beat me to the punch.
"Come on sis, that's too far." Achilles was grabbing at her hands.
She growled again, but dispersed the gathered power, slacking her grip.
"Okay, I'm going to need an explanation." I spoke up, gathering all the attention. "And you should know better than to use that in a place like this, Archer." I narrowed my eyes.
To her credit, she looked a bit embarrassed, her ears flattening. " I would have controlled it." She didn't meet my gaze.
"Explanation, now." I demanded, looking around.
Yasaka wasn't here and I would be damned if my woman was disrespected like this literally in her home.
"H-he walked up and sniffed my butt!" She hissed, stabbing her finger in the air, pointing towards her previous target.
I looked towards the unknown man.
"I said you smell familiar." He shrugged as if it didn't matter. "Good, too."
"How dare you!" She hissed again, pulling her bow string back, only for Achilles to sort of wrestle it away from her grip.
[That kid seems familiar to me. I just can't place it off the top of my head.]
That's.....possibly concerning.
"Oi!" I turned to look at a voice shouting from the other end of the courtyard. The one I recognized as Sairarorg Bael addressed me apparently. He had an intense aura about him, and a strange look of resolve on his face. He took hardened steps towards me, staring intently. I didn't waver from his gaze, feeling oddly competitive. He didn't stop until he was about a foot away from me, only being slightly taller as our eyes practically met at level. I could feel his Touki begin to seep out and it was heavy.
I let my own Aura flicker, my Magical Energy escaping to match his.
I think.... he had more Touki than Yasaka. Not to say he's stronger than her, it's sorta like Magical Energy in that aspect, more doesn't equal strength, though it certainly helped. No, I think it was still a bit more unrefined compared to her. However, it was a startling amount.
"Join my peerage!" He suddenly shouted. The tension evaporated immediately, and his expression was replaced with a goofy smile that could match Thorum's.
I honestly didn't know how to respond, though a significant portion of his peerage facepalming behind him did resonate with me.
***
If you want to read 7 chapters ahead or support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / astoryforone
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Chapter 284:
The Girls and I portaled back to Yasaka's office almost immediately, surprising the Fox.
"You didn't have to come back so soon, it isn't that dire of a situation." Yasaka commented.
"We were basically done anyways." I waived off her concerns. "Besides, it sounded like something you don't want to be dealing with right now."
"....that's not untrue." She admitted before sighing.
"Yasaka, is there something the matter?" Artoria asked.
"Did Wilhelm fill you in on our latest concerns?" She asked.
"Indeed." Artoria's expression hardened. "I will do everything in my power to make sure they does not threaten your domain."
"That's sweet of your to say." Yasaka softened considerably. "However, and I'm probably being a hypocrite for saying this, but don't get anxious over something beyond your control. You're not at fault for any actions caused by other people." My Fox got up from her desk and walked over, sweeping up Artoria into a hug.
Honestly, I think after their meeting, they'd gotten closer as a group.
"We have had the same conversation." Raikou said with an amused tone.
I just noticed how on Artoria's case they both were. Was there something I wasn't aware of? And It wasn't in a negative way, they were being very supportive of her.
Not that I was at all against it, just an observation.
"How has that whole situation been going? I presume Nurarihyon's information had been helpful?"
Yasaka finally let go of the smaller woman who let out an embarrassed noise after being dislodged from between her bosom. "We've had no hits so far, but there have been some.....traces." The initial posting of this chapter occurred via Ñøv€l-B!n.
"Traces, what traces?" Artoria asked for clarification.
"Scáthach's wording and I did not receive much elaboration. And from what I understand, she has complete confidence in hunting down any errant Fae in my territory."
"It's easy to forget about her life before she was confined to the Land of Shadows for thousands of year." I ran a hand through my hair, almost subconsciously. "The Fae were very active during her years, and I'm sure she's had her fair share of run ins."
"Yes, I would hazard a guess that Scáthach has even more experience than I do. Most Fae I've run into – beyond the reoccurring ones – were.....benevolent in nature." Artoria seemed to choose her final words carefully. "Regardless, I am intimately aware of the chaos that can arise from them acting without proper oversight. This is not their lands, they will not be allowed to run rampant."
"My experience is with Youkai, Oni, and ghosts." Raikou hummed contemplatively. "I fear I may not be much use in this endeavor beyond a sword to bare. Perhaps I would serve better watching over Kunou in the meantime?"
"That would be phenomenal." Yasaka looked relieved. "If I don't have to worry every moment she's out of my sight, I believe I'll be able to get much more done."
"Leave her to me." Raikou smiled brightly. "No one will harm her." I saw a hint of killing intent flash through her eyes.
"Scáthach is hunting, huh." I threw my hands behind my head, leaning against her desk. "Should I feel sorry for them?"
Yasaka quirked a smile. "Let's debate that after we see what happens. But for the moment, I am beyond caring. If the old man's to be believed, they probably kidnapped and replaced some of my citizens."
"Tis a normal action that they take." Artoria shook her head with a frown. "Long have they been known from replacing others lives out of their strange whims."
The stories of changelings weren't just stories.
A very real reality that Artoria experienced in her life.
"Have you tried reaching out to Izzy yet?" I asked.
"I have not." Yasaka admitted. "I was mulling over if I should or not. It felt like.....taking advantage of her."
"She would love to be of assistance." Artoria interjected assuaging her concerns. "And I believe she would find them coming into her lands....distasteful."
"And now I'm picturing an angry Izanami descending upon some unsuspecting faerie, and thus my mood has brightened." Yasaka perked up. "I did plan on inviting her to the festival regardless, an official invitation that is."
All three of them shared a look then glanced at me before giggling.
"I feel like I'm the butt of a joke."
"Why ever would you have that feeling?" Yasaka replied with a grin.
"Moving on." I rolled my eyes. "I have a favor to ask. I know supplies are still low at the moment, basic stuff to keep your territory operating. But...does that include things like weapons?"
"Weapons?" Yasaka blinked. "Not particularly. We didn't experience any major combat and the damage was done by small – insidious groups – who struck key locations and caused widespread damage. Why do you ask?"
"Over in Skyrim, they're pretty much suffering from low – everything. I was talking to Thorum and they specified food, arrows, and spears as being at the forefront....and obviously potions and such but...."
"I heard briefly about the Dragon attacks, is it really that bad?"
"It is not a pleasant sight." Artoria's face darkened. "I have seen many a field and town ravaged by fire. From what I have heard from the common folk, it is not uncommon for a Dragon to fly down every couple weeks, scorch the earth, and devour any livestock, only to fly off again."
"Tell me about it." Yasaka let out a long breath.
"What is Sairaorg up to right now? You said he's here, right?"
"I believe he had been diverted towards the training grounds while I figured out what to do."
".....and Mordred is at the training grounds..." Artoria suddenly spoke up. "I am suddenly filled with dread."
"Oh dear." Yasaka blinked. "I did not think of not, and the others may be there as well."
"And from the few things Nurarihyon said, he's an idiot that likes to fight, right?"
The look on her face pretty much said everything.
***
Artoria and I walked towards the open training area at a brisk pace. We expected conflict, brawling and the like to be taking place, and while that was in fact happening, it was not what, or rather with who I had expected.
Arrows were flying nonstop, to the point where it took me a moment to settle everything that was going on in front of me.
I noticed Sairarorg out of the corner of my eye based on his description, and he was...standing off to the side, staring at the same scene we were. I think those were his Peerage members standing along side him as well.
There were also people I recognized, Mordred was standing in a daze, watching as well. Along with Arthur, Le Fay, and even Achilles.
But most importantly....
"GET BACK HERE YOU DISGUSTING CREATURE!" Atalanta screamed, releasing another barrage of arrows towards someone I didn't recognize.
Her target was a man.....young adult? His age was ambiguous. He had dark orange hair, a medium height and a strange jewel on his forehead. "Neh, Neh, Neh, can't touch me~" He danced around the barrage. Or so it looked at first glance, in actually, a good portion of the arrows were.....deflected before they could make contact with him.
It was like they couldn't hit him for some unknown reason.
The Arrows infused with Magical Energy exploded against him, yet he still remained unscathed.
"Let's test that!" She growled, aiming her bow up into the sky and gathering a significant amount of Magical Energy.
I knew what was coming, well enough that I was about to reach for my sword, except someone beat me to the punch.
"Come on sis, that's too far." Achilles was grabbing at her hands.
She growled again, but dispersed the gathered power, slacking her grip.
"Okay, I'm going to need an explanation." I spoke up, gathering all the attention. "And you should know better than to use that in a place like this, Archer." I narrowed my eyes.
To her credit, she looked a bit embarrassed, her ears flattening. " I would have controlled it." She didn't meet my gaze.
"Explanation, now." I demanded, looking around.
Yasaka wasn't here and I would be damned if my woman was disrespected like this literally in her home.
"H-he walked up and sniffed my butt!" She hissed, stabbing her finger in the air, pointing towards her previous target.
I looked towards the unknown man.
"I said you smell familiar." He shrugged as if it didn't matter. "Good, too."
"How dare you!" She hissed again, pulling her bow string back, only for Achilles to sort of wrestle it away from her grip.
[That kid seems familiar to me. I just can't place it off the top of my head.]
That's.....possibly concerning.
"Oi!" I turned to look at a voice shouting from the other end of the courtyard. The one I recognized as Sairarorg Bael addressed me apparently. He had an intense aura about him, and a strange look of resolve on his face. He took hardened steps towards me, staring intently. I didn't waver from his gaze, feeling oddly competitive. He didn't stop until he was about a foot away from me, only being slightly taller as our eyes practically met at level. I could feel his Touki begin to seep out and it was heavy.
I let my own Aura flicker, my Magical Energy escaping to match his.
I think.... he had more Touki than Yasaka. Not to say he's stronger than her, it's sorta like Magical Energy in that aspect, more doesn't equal strength, though it certainly helped. No, I think it was still a bit more unrefined compared to her. However, it was a startling amount.
"Join my peerage!" He suddenly shouted. The tension evaporated immediately, and his expression was replaced with a goofy smile that could match Thorum's.
I honestly didn't know how to respond, though a significant portion of his peerage facepalming behind him did resonate with me.
***
If you want to read 7 chapters ahead or support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / astoryforone
Chapter 284:The Girls and I portaled back to Yasaka's office almost immediately, surprising the Fox. "You didn't have to come back so soon, it isn't that dire of a situation." Yasaka commented. "We were basically done anyways." I waived off her concerns. "Besides, it sounded like something you don't want to be dealing with right now." "....that's not untrue." She admitted before sighing. "Yasaka, is there something the matter?" Artoria asked. "Did Wilhelm fill you in on our latest concerns?" She asked. "Indeed." Artoria's expression hardened. "I will do everything in my power to make sure they does not threaten your domain." "That's sweet of your to say." Yasaka softened considerably. "However, and I'm probably being a hypocrite for saying this, but don't get anxious over something beyond your control. You're not at fault for any actions caused by other people." My Fox got up from her desk and walked over, sweeping up Artoria into a hug. Honestly, I think after their meeting, they'd gotten closer as a group. "We have had the same conversation." Raikou said with an amused tone. I just noticed how on Artoria's case they both were. Was there something I wasn't aware of? And It wasn't in a negative way, they were being very supportive of her. Not that I was at all against it, just an observation. "How has that whole situation been going? I presume Nurarihyon's information had been helpful?" Yasaka finally let go of the smaller woman who let out an embarrassed noise after being dislodged from between her bosom. "We've had no hits so far, but there have been some.....traces." The initial posting of this chapter occurred via Nvl-B!n."Traces, what traces?" Artoria asked for clarification. "Scathach's wording and I did not receive much elaboration. And from what I understand, she has complete confidence in hunting down any errant Fae in my territory." "It's easy to forget about her life before she was confined to the Land of Shadows for thousands of year." I ran a hand through my hair, almost subconsciously. "The Fae were very active during her years, and I'm sure she's had her fair share of run ins." "Yes, I would hazard a guess that Scathach has even more experience than I do. Most Fae I've run into beyond the reoccurring ones were.....benevolent in nature." Artoria seemed to choose her final words carefully. "Regardless, I am intimately aware of the chaos that can arise from them acting without proper oversight. This is not their lands, they will not be allowed to run rampant." "My experience is with Youkai, Oni, and ghosts." Raikou hummed contemplatively. "I fear I may not be much use in this endeavor beyond a sword to bare. Perhaps I would serve better watching over Kunou in the meantime?" "That would be phenomenal." Yasaka looked relieved. "If I don't have to worry every moment she's out of my sight, I believe I'll be able to get much more done." "Leave her to me." Raikou smiled brightly. "No one will harm her." I saw a hint of killing intent flash through her eyes. "Scathach is hunting, huh." I threw my hands behind my head, leaning against her desk. "Should I feel sorry for them?" Yasaka quirked a smile. "Let's debate that after we see what happens. But for the moment, I am beyond caring. If the old man's to be believed, they probably kidnapped and replaced some of my citizens." "Tis a normal action that they take." Artoria shook her head with a frown. "Long have they been known from replacing others lives out of their strange whims." The stories of changelings weren't just stories. A very real reality that Artoria experienced in her life. "Have you tried reaching out to Izzy yet?" I asked. "I have not." Yasaka admitted. "I was mulling over if I should or not. It felt like.....taking advantage of her." "She would love to be of assistance." Artoria interjected assuaging her concerns. "And I believe she would find them coming into her lands....distasteful." "And now I'm picturing an angry Izanami descending upon some unsuspecting faerie, and thus my mood has brightened." Yasaka perked up. "I did plan on inviting her to the festival regardless, an official invitation that is." All three of them shared a look then glanced at me before giggling. "I feel like I'm the butt of a joke." "Why ever would you have that feeling?" Yasaka replied with a grin. "Moving on." I rolled my eyes. "I have a favor to ask. I know supplies are still low at the moment, basic stuff to keep your territory operating. But...does that include things like weapons?" "Weapons?" Yasaka blinked. "Not particularly. We didn't experience any major combat and the damage was done by small insidious groups who struck key locations and caused widespread damage. Why do you ask?" "Over in Skyrim, they're pretty much suffering from low everything. I was talking to Thorum and they specified food, arrows, and spears as being at the forefront....and obviously potions and such but...." "I heard briefly about the Dragon attacks, is it really that bad?" "It is not a pleasant sight." Artoria's face darkened. "I have seen many a field and town ravaged by fire. From what I have heard from the common folk, it is not uncommon for a Dragon to fly down every couple weeks, scorch the earth, and devour any livestock, only to fly off again." "Tell me about it." Yasaka let out a long breath. "What is Sairaorg up to right now? You said he's here, right?" "I believe he had been diverted towards the training grounds while I figured out what to do." ".....and Mordred is at the training grounds..." Artoria suddenly spoke up. "I am suddenly filled with dread." "Oh dear." Yasaka blinked. "I did not think of not, and the others may be there as well." "And from the few things Nurarihyon said, he's an idiot that likes to fight, right?" The look on her face pretty much said everything. *** Artoria and I walked towards the open training area at a brisk pace. We expected conflict, brawling and the like to be taking place, and while that was in fact happening, it was not what, or rather with who I had expected. Arrows were flying nonstop, to the point where it took me a moment to settle everything that was going on in front of me. I noticed Sairarorg out of the corner of my eye based on his description, and he was...standing off to the side, staring at the same scene we were. I think those were his Peerage members standing along side him as well. There were also people I recognized, Mordred was standing in a daze, watching as well. Along with Arthur, Le Fay, and even Achilles. But most importantly.... "GET BACK HERE YOU DISGUSTING CREATURE!" Atalanta screamed, releasing another barrage of arrows towards someone I didn't recognize. Her target was a man.....young adult? His age was ambiguous. He had dark orange hair, a medium height and a strange jewel on his forehead. "Neh, Neh, Neh, can't touch me~" He danced around the barrage. Or so it looked at first glance, in actually, a good portion of the arrows were.....deflected before they could make contact with him. It was like they couldn't hit him for some unknown reason. The Arrows infused with Magical Energy exploded against him, yet he still remained unscathed. "Let's test that!" She growled, aiming her bow up into the sky and gathering a significant amount of Magical Energy. I knew what was coming, well enough that I was about to reach for my sword, except someone beat me to the punch. "Come on sis, that's too far." Achilles was grabbing at her hands. She growled again, but dispersed the gathered power, slacking her grip. "Okay, I'm going to need an explanation." I spoke up, gathering all the attention. "And you should know better than to use that in a place like this, Archer." I narrowed my eyes. To her credit, she looked a bit embarrassed, her ears flattening. " I would have controlled it." She didn't meet my gaze. "Explanation, now." I demanded, looking around. Yasaka wasn't here and I would be damned if my woman was disrespected like this literally in her home. "H-he walked up and sniffed my butt!" She hissed, stabbing her finger in the air, pointing towards her previous target. I looked towards the unknown man. "I said you smell familiar." He shrugged as if it didn't matter. "Good, too." "How dare you!" She hissed again, pulling her bow string back, only for Achilles to sort of wrestle it away from her grip. That kid seems familiar to me. I just can't place it off the top of my head. That's.....possibly concerning. "Oi!" I turned to look at a voice shouting from the other end of the courtyard. The one I recognized as Sairarorg Bael addressed me apparently. He had an intense aura about him, and a strange look of resolve on his face. He took hardened steps towards me, staring intently. I didn't waver from his gaze, feeling oddly competitive. He didn't stop until he was about a foot away from me, only being slightly taller as our eyes practically met at level. I could feel his Touki begin to seep out and it was heavy. I let my own Aura flicker, my Magical Energy escaping to match his. I think.... he had more Touki than Yasaka. Not to say he's stronger than her, it's sorta like Magical Energy in that aspect, more doesn't equal strength, though it certainly helped. No, I think it was still a bit more unrefined compared to her. However, it was a startling amount. "Join my peerage!" He suddenly shouted. The tension evaporated immediately, and his expression was replaced with a goofy smile that could match Thorum's. I honestly didn't know how to respond, though a significant portion of his peerage facepalming behind him did resonate with me. *** If you want to read 7 chapters ahead or support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / astoryforone
