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As the clan members bedded for the night, a few quiet figures approached the campsite. They ruffled through what was loose in packs and were just starting to leave when Phoenix and Secret Phoenix were awoken at midnight by the falling of rocks from the nearby mountainous wall. Mutoshito remained fast asleep, his pack placed next to his body with the mouth of it open.
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The peasants had filled their gullets with noodles and stared at Crane for a bit. One shook his head, "Oh, no, gentle samurai. We are simple farmers and would never cross the laws of the land. We would lose our families if we carried weapons!" The younger man gave a solemn nod, "We are but simple farmers, good samurai. We have brave men in the village, but they are foolish. We would lose many to the bandits."
Both peasants looked very dour on the idea of fighting the bandits.
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The manor servants gave a polite nod, scurrying away throughout the manor to ready their lords gear. Horses are unfortunately unheard of in the Crab's lands, the countryside difficult enough to cross by foot. The rough terrain also allows an easier defense, which is just what the Crab clan likes.
The servants pack extra rations for Krab, the eldest servant, Old Hojima, collected them in a sack. He had the extra clothing sets folded and placed in a sack, bound tight with string. Placing the two packages before his lord, "When may we expect your return, my lord?"
Bounding to his feet with a shout, Akihiro took up his spear and moved to strike the bandits.
The raven on Keisuke's shoulder flaps his wings and goes to perch herself on a nearby pole. Immediately the man's espression turns harder and more confident.
"That's understandable. Still, there must be woodworkers and basketweavers in your village, and many kinds of craftsfolks. In a couple days, you could be trapmakers. Stealth and trickery will be our best allies here, especially when outnumbered: force them to fight where we want, how we want."
She smiles.
"Weapons? You would not be armed with weapons, just simple tools for farming. The pitchfork, the flail, hoes for tilling the land, and the scythe for the taking down of wheat. These brave men have it in their heart to protect their land and families. You will loose much more if you do not stand together. I will do my part and it appears Keisuke-son will as well. We can worry more about this when we arrive at the village. Now that our bellies are full we should depart for the journey. Keisuke-son are you ready? You mentioned needing to buy a few things. Why don't you go and do that and meet us back here."
She raises her arm gesturing to the Ramen shop worker.
"More tea please."
Gathering the supplies needed would take time, as Yoshi waited near the entrance towards his family's manor. A polite yet warm smile spread across his face as Old Hojima approached with the sacks in hand. "I should return in a month's time, depending on how long my task takes me. If necessary, I will send a courier with a message should it take an unexpected amount of time." He could see the concern in the man's face and it brought an extra shade of warmth to Yoshi's own smile. The man had helped take care of him and his brother after his father passed away, ensuring the two of them were raised as proper Crabs when their mother was doing her duty upon the wall.
"I will be back, Hojima. Just make sure the spiced teas are ready for my return, will you?" The old man nods and bows politely, excusing himself as Yoshi makes his way into his family's garden. There, upon a plot of land, was his father's grave. The stone had grown weathered over time but his name could still be seen and Yoshi could still somewhat remember how he used to laugh.
"Father, I am off once more. I ask for your blessing to watch over me, to ensure that I may accomplish my duty. I strive to be the man that you had hoped I would be, not the man you saw me as." His hand gently touches the stone, Yoshi's expression unreadable before he rises and leaves his family's estate. Chibasu was quite the walk away in the mountains but it was the task he was assigned by the Clan. He would honor his ancestors by moving swiftly and carefully and learning all he could about this Drunken Tiger.
She's totally on to us.
Why, because she mentioned fighting with a scythe?
Yes, precisely!
What else could I have done?
Avoided speaking to her, for one.
Oh, shut it. You're itching for something to kill, I can feel it. And so am I.
"Yeah, sure. I'll be back in a while."
Keisuke raises from the stand, then heads to the nearest leatherworker to buy a scabbard, thick enough to hide the gleaming mithral blade of his scythe.
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The peasant men cleared their throats, one after the other, ”I don’t think our lord would be forgiving if we created traps for his village. We are not huntsmen, and we would dishonor the few samurai there under our lord should we take up our defense.” The younger one spoke up, ”But if our lord agrees to your plan, we would surely defend ourselves with your instruction, oh merciful samurai.”
Sitting around for a bit longer, the peasants spend the rest of the time showering Crane in praise. Ex-Dragon could hear them just before he left for the leatherworker. A stout man who smelled stronger than the leather he worked on was busy stitching up an apron. He was bald on top, short, but wide, and had unkempt muttonchops. Upon Ex-Dragon’s arrival, he tossed the finish apron on the ground and stood off of his stool. He didn’t say anything, just gestured with his pointing finger to the blade jutting upwards near Ex-Dragon’s back. If he was given the weapon to look over, he’d stare at it, then towards the wall of leather strips, then back it.
Tossing the weapon onto the apron, he went to the wall of leather strips and stroked his muttonchops. His aura of stench followed him, replaced by fresh leather. Taking a long, leather sock-looking strip, he sat down to stich it to another. Then he took his knife from his boot and sharpened one side. After a bit, he offered the long sock scabbard and his hand, ”Gold.” His breath reeked but his work was well done. His hand was filthy dirty, held outward and waiting.
The ramen shop owner gave a call for fresh tea, and a young daughter walked out with a platter of tea cups soon enough. She placed one in front of Crane and poured her tea, then returned to the kitchen.
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The bandits were climbing the mountain side up, but one of their fellows slipped and stumbled down from the force of Phoenix’s spear striking the rock. Rolling over himself, the short bandit was humanoid, but looked to be a green skinned reptile, with a copper shine to his skin and sharp claws. He also had bony spikes protruding from his elbows and shoulders. He wore a black blanket tied underneath his nose and he looked up to the much taller Phoenix in fear. He threw his hands over his face, his back against the mountain wall. The other bandits were busy climbing to notice his fall. He had a few parcels of food in his clutches.
Mutoshito was startled and awoke slowly, standing and rubbing at his eye, ”What is all this commotion?” Then he noticed his pack had been opened and his food missing. Dropping the sack, he soon found Phoenix and approached him cautiously, ”What is going on—“ Then he saw the Zokujin and gave a side-look to Phoenix, ”An earth spirit is responsible? Strange…they do not feast on our food, thus, would not have a reason to steal it.” Moaning some and rubbing at his head, ”But it still stole from us. Your judgement, guardian, is free to make.”
He said "Lord"!
Yes, I heard!
They want you to speak to their lord!
I figured that much, you know.
You just wanna waltz in ther and present you as a ronin?
I'll figure something out. Probably I'll check the place while the Crane speaks.
I don't like it. She knew too much at a glance.
The Crane relies on others' weakness, rather than their own strengths. Presenting her with some fake weaknesses will be easy.
Keisuke fishes out some coins and pays for the leatherwork, then returns, the scythe now hidden from sight, to the ramen shop. On his way, he stops to grab a pack of rice, dried meat and fruit as trail rations.
As he gets back to the farmers and Atsuko, his bird is again perched on his shoulder.
"Uhm, I've got what I needed, I can leave whenever you wish."
Ayoshi took longer to get to the other two Phoenix men. Not only he was sleepy, but the courtier also got his branched spear drawn before approaching with caution. When he finally came closer, looking with curiosity to the green humanoid - which he didn't know what it was - he spoke in Rokugani.
I am Isawa Ayoshi, of the Great Phoenix of Rokugan. I offer you no harm, if you tell me what's going on.
Hearing about the mention that they were dealing with an earth spirit, Ayoshi repeated the same thing in Kami - and signed for Akihiro to allow them to hear the creature before any harsh judgments.
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The journey from Krab's manor and the safety of the walls of Razor of the Dawn, carried Krab through the mountainous paths and unforgiving steep hills. It was on his second day that he encountered another traveller, where the land had flattened and the open plains lay far and wide, with the occasional hill to disrupt the flatness. A man wearing unmarked samurai armor was seated on a crate. He held a stern frown on his face, his dark and bushy eyebrows stuck crossed.
A hill lay behind him, but he didn't move. When Krab came into view of the man, he inhaled, and exhaled a loud "Hmmmmmm...mmmmm." He stared at the ground as if it could tell him his heart's desire, not looking up at Krab, and his gauntlets became tense.
Yoshi legs ached lightly from the long travel already, the rise and fall of hills, paths, stairs, and trails making travel slow but providing the defense that Crab preferred. Everything was dedicated to the idea of protecting the Empire, to keeping the demons out and ensuring the peace of the land. The Duty was all-consuming because the beasts that laid behind the wall were also all-consuming.
As he drew closer to the other traveller, stepping along the beaten path across the wide open fields, he'd look him over for a moment. The way he looked away was most curious and the lack of any insignia drew in Yoshi's curiousity.
"Perhaps a ronin? Why would he be here, waiting?" Yoshi's eyes surveyed the scene, looking for where any other ambushers could be lying in wait.
As he approached closer, his hands slipping underneath his robes and resting on the grips of his kukris rather than the hilts of his katana and wakizashi, he examined the man carefully. Falling back on his training, he let his ki touch upon the energy that laid all around them. Everything was connected, everything could be measured, and he studied the harmony of the man more intently.
Akihiro stands over the fallen creature, spear at the ready.
She looks up from her tea as the farmers speak.
"Lord? You failed to mention your lord before. Has this matter been taken before him? It matters little I suppose. If he chooses to not protect what he governs. I will worry about your lord at a later time. Let us go now so we can prepare for these bandits arrival." She stands and leaves some coin for the meals.
"Ah Keisuke-son, it is good you returned so quickly. If you are ready I believe it is time for us to go." She looks to the farmers.
"Please lead the way." She gestures for them to take the lead and follows.
Akodo Kazuma kept his temper in check. This fop was a disgrace of a samurai, but bushido demanded he offer the Doji governor the respect due his position.
"Arigato, Doji-sama," Kazuma said, bowing appropriately. "I will look into this matter. If one of your servants would be kind enough to provide directions to the head farmer, I will be on my way."
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The creature looked up at them, still lying on its side with its hands upwards. When Secret Phoenix speaks, the creature lifts its lizard-like head and regards the humans with a weary eye. After a while, it speaks, ”You mean to strike me down? We wish only to help those who starve..” The critter staggers to its feat, expecting to be struck down, ”Find our cause unworthy? Strike me down.” Its voice sounded like two rocks rumbling over each other.
The Zokujin are a slave race to the Lion clan and other large clans that operate mining camps. They eat earth, making them excellent for mining.
The Zokujin are tied to the earth element and are complete pacifists, much like the Phoenix clan.
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The man wore the expression of a man in thought and he wasn’t thinking about Krab, for he didn’t notice him until he stopped. The man was rolling over a difficult thought, his ki wavering between courage and dishonor. There was a hill nearby, that the man had seated himself so close to. The man was certainly a ronin of a minor clan, as the insignia that was scraped off bore no resemblance to one of the major ones. His weapon lay at the side of the stump he sat on, a gray scabbard with the blade within it and a hunting crossbow leaned up against the stump.
As he finally noticed Krab standing still, the man lifts his head upwards, ”What say you, stranger? Is it wise to avenge a fool’s death, if that fool is family, in risking one’s life? Or is it better to leave him a disgraced man and out of the family’s scroll and live another day?” He had lifted his face, which was sleepless and unshaven. Shaking his head lightly, ”My manners escaped me when I pondered the late hours away. I am Sotomura Tadamasa. My brother, Sanzo, was recently slain over that hill and I have yet to decide what I should do. His ki remained undecided; he was at least truthful, if not confused.
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The two peasants looked to one another, the older one speaking up, ”He is an honorable man and we wouldn’t want to disgrace his samurai that protect us...but we fear that the samurai that are around are few in number. What little more we find makes our chances that much greater.” The peasants bowed once again and started to stand when Ex-Dragon entered. They bowed to him as well, only, slightly less than Crane. ”We will bring you there; we can never thank you enough.”
They would lead Crane and Ex-Dragon through the city and out the Eastern gate, where their travels only took an hour and a half across the well patrolled road of the Lion territory. Lions, watching from their posts and high towers, regarded the four travellers with piercing scrutiny, their weapons always at ready and their stance dissuading combat. They each had stern looks on their faces. But eventually, Crane and Ex-Dragon neared the village of Chibasu. Crane was greeted with bowed heads; the villagers that were able to plant their heads on the ground did so. And when they neared the painted sign, which was so finely painted, of Chibasu, they saw another samurai step outside the largest building near the center of the village.
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The governor lifted his hand towards Glass Lion, signalling his allowance of Lion’s departure. But he stopped, lifted his finely plucked brows, and said, ”I wish you the best of luck, good samurai. But I’m afraid the head of this village left of his own accord earlier today. He has not been seen since. So I cannot send a samurai of my own to look for him, when he isn’t in town. You understand, I hope?” He didn’t openly smile, but it was in his voice, the smugness he received from telling Glass Lion the bad news.
But Doji Junburo did clap his hands, exactly twice, ”I will have my servant escort you to a house for visitors, so that you may at least have a roof over your head. I would not wish you to catch ill while investigating, Glass Lion.” A young servant girl in a very plain tunic and pants was summoned. She immediately placed her head onto the floor, her hands beside it. Snapping his fingers, the governor gestured to Glass Lion, ”Mio, show Glass Lion to his residence, please.”
She would bow deeply and would start to walk out of the manor when Glass Lion was ready. And as soon as he left, 4 others had neared the gate that he could see. It was quite some distance between them, but one of the men that was under the Chibasu sign looked to be elderly.
Yoshi pondered the man's question for a moment, looking at the pathway ahead of him. There was the Drunken Tiger that he needed to find and speak to, eliminate if he proved too troublesome, but they were still in the land of the lions. There was no particular rush, as he moved closer and rubbed along his chin.
"To not avenge one's family's honor is dishonor in itself, unless doing so would prevent you from doing your duty." The cool, dark eyes would look into Sotomura, the Crab samurai cocking his head slightly to the side. "I suppose it depends on what made him a fool, what was it that brought your brother to his death? Was it a slight against his honor? A beautiful girl? A disagreement over coin?"
"We will have to see what use we can make out of this man. Perhaps if he is useful, we can indebt him to our service." Yoshi ponders for a moment before straightening himself up. "I am Himura Yoshi. Tell me your tale, Tadamasa."
Atsuko offers all that look to her a smile. Upon seeing the Samurai exit the building she will speak to the two that brought her here.
"Who is that? Have others of you went to seek aid? Let us not be rude. I will go introduce myself."
She heads in direction of the Samurai.
"Greetings Samurai-Sama. I am Kakita Atsuko. Do you serve the lord that governs this village?"
There's another!
Yes, they mentioned their lord's samurai, didn't they?
What are you going to say?
Something that doesn't get us arrested, hopefully. Worst case scenario, I'll enroll under this lord's insignia.
Keisuke is more than happy to look unassuming and let Atsuko take the lead. I'm just a traveler with farmer's tools, nevermind me...
And who starves? - Ayoshi asks - Can you take us there?
Hmph. Thieves, without even the self-respect to beg. Akihiro stays quiet, though, and keeps his spear leveled at the creature.
Akodo bowed dutifully, and left. Upon leaving the mansion, he will not go immediately to his dwelling, but approach the four people near the sign.
"Greetings, to you all. Have you business in this town?"
Akodo makes his way over to the gathered Samurai, bowing when addressed. Upon hearing the name Kakita, he has the urge to stiffen, but ignores it.
"Well met to you, Kakita-sama. I am called Akodo Kazuma. I do not serve the governor of this village but am here by the request of Kitsu Moro to ensure that the village's productivity does not falter. What brings you here?"
A Lion! Now you're at a numerical disadvantage!
Can you stop assuming that everyone is out to kill us?
Can you not act in the way that gets yourself exposed?
What difference would I make on the world if I died of old age in some monastery? Let me fight. Let me throw away my life, perhaps.
And mine.
For that, I'm sorry. But would you rather fade away in time?
No, I wouldn't. I'm marked for death among the kami, I'd do something worthwhile with my life if possible. Just don't throw it away for the time being...
No. But for the time being, remember the words: the Lion is sleepy until roused, and then it is ferocious. If you keep the Lion sleepy, it is of no danger to you, but also reluctant to come to your aid.
Bowing deeply to the Lion samurai, Keisuke speaks hesitantly, while his raven jumps from his shoulder to the ground and starts looking for worms. "Ah, m-my name is Kurohara Keisuke, Kazuma-dono. I-I'm but a traveller, looking for a place to settle I met my, uh, companions, and they mentioned a problem, so, well, I thought I'd lend a hand."
Kazuma smiled kindly, nodding at Keisuke.
"That is rather admirable. It is always refreshing to meet faithful Rokugani ready to do their duty. Some might say that the governor of this province would be reticent in that regard. Having just met the man, I could not offer my opinion on the matter. I can tell you that I would be grateful of some assistance, and perhaps the Kami have directed our meeting. Perhaps the problem you speak of is the very same one I have been sent to rectify."
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Sotomura Tadamasa shook his head, "Himura Yoshi, it was a beast that we were sent together to slay. But my brother was not a patient man. He left too early, traveled too quickly, and met his death too soon." Lifting his hands' palms upwards, "I cannot lie and tell my family that he died with honor, if he died a fool's death. And if I am to engage the beast alone, I am to perish as well and leave my family with nothing in return. Then I am to be a fool as well; my family will starve without my service to my lord completed however."
Tadamasa inhaled a long, deep breath, his face a perpetual frown, "Thus I sit and ponder: without action or with action, I become a fool either way."
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The two peasants with Ex-Dragon and Crane looked to one another as the samurai approached them, "This samurai is not one of the governor's men..." They quickly planted their forehead against the dirt of the road, the younger one calling out, "Please forgive us from interrupting your duty, oh good samurai! We were merely guiding these brave others to this village, as was their request."
The older man, after he righted himself, "We are gladly at your service, good samurai. Perhaps what you seek is the pirates of this village? We sought others, these others, to help us poor farmers with our troubles." The old man nods, "The spirits have favored us with your presence, good samurais. We will serve you what little we have and answer whatever you ask of us. Please, this way."
The old man started to hobble away toward a particular hut, the second largest hut in the north-west part of the village. The few villagers that were passed by quickly set whatever they were doing to flatten themselves onto the ground for the passing samurai. They soon entered the village chief's hut, which was smaller than the manor by a lot, but had ample space for the current people. The younger man went to scoop out rice from one of the bags and handed out clay bowls to each of the visitors.
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The goblin-like-lizard took a bit to answer the questions that Secret Phoenix asked. He folded inward, his hands rubbing against each other anxiously, but finally rumbled out a sigh, "A group of man that lives in a mountain hole, not far from here. I will lead you there."
Mutoshito looked between the other two, pointing his notes at the earth critter, "These creatures are very honest, free of the greed of men. But a cave full of men isn't something I would like to walk into, fumbling blindly."
The lizard beast gave a few nods, waiting for the others' answer. If yes, then he would hobble up the mountain side slowly, lending his assistance to those that wished to climb.
Yoshi listens to his tale, a frown spreading across his face as Tadamasa speaks his sad tale of how his brother met his end. It was a truly torturous decision, one where there was no good end.
"If we aid him, his connection to his lord may be useful at another time. It will also be another test of my own capability, I must keep my skills up to par."
"I understand the cost of duty and how its blade may be sharp on both sides. Let me aid you then, I shall help you avenge your brother and earn your place. In return, you will help me if I ever require it."
"What say you, Tadamasa? Will you continue to be a fool or will you be samurai?" The Crab samurai asks, his eyes staring through the distraught man.
If the man accepts Himura Yoshi's offer, he begins to walk alongside him and speaks in that low tone. "I have been beyond the wall and have hunted monsters before. We shall use the quiet and our intelligence to kill this beast. Describe it to me, tell me what it can do."
Her eye widen a bit at the name given. She bows.
"Well Akodo-sama if you are to maintain productivity the putting an end to the bandits demands would surely help. We offer our aid in this as well as I pledged to these good farmers here."
She follows and sits in the hut when the seat is presented but deny's the bowl.
"Please I am fine. I do not need what little you have. I must say Akodo-sama. I look forward to seeing your prowess in combat. Your reputation proceeds you." She offers a smile.
Unlike Atsuko, Keisuke takes the bowl. "Itadakimasu. Thanks for the food."
Sitting quiet, he observes the dialogue of his companions. She's heard of him, as a warrior. That means he's a ferocious one. We'll see in battle.
Despite his disdain for the Crane, a ghost of a smile tugged at Kazuma's lips. She was respectful, and behaved appropriately to the heinin.
"Arigato, Kakita-san. That is high praise indeed. I would rather we did not have occasion to battle, but peace is not always possible."
Akodo turned to the peasants who spoke. Like Atsuko, Akodo passed on the meager fare.
"You speak of pirates. What has happened, and where may these men be found?"
Ayoshi looks at Mutoshite and ponders for some seconds, but then finally nods to the creature.
Please guide us. We will proceed with caution, but we should move.
"I dislike this. Though they be free of greed, they are still thieves. At the very least, we should wait until morning."
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Tadamasa lifted a hand to rub at his chin and cheek, "Hmm..I suppose it is time. I have been waiting, my patience I knew would be sufficient. I agree to your deal, Himura Yoshi." Standing and rising to his feet, he gathered his weapons, laying the flat of his scabbard along his shoulder. Turning to walk towards the hill, "It is a beast most foul, said to be able to pull a man towards its insatiable belly. Its call stirs up your insides and its eyes can snap to the finest movements. But it hides in the mud of the valley, waiting for meals to find it."
The ronin would lead Krab past the hill and quite some ways off until they reached the peak of a valley crest, large collections of rocks and sand piled up down below in the middle of the valley. Pointing to sunken circle of sand, "The beast's usual lair. Tread carefully." Tadamasa used his sword to steadily descend into the valley.
Initiative!
Yoshi moves with the man, listening carefully to the man as he explains what he says it is capable of doing. The beast indeed sounds foul, bringing a grimace to the samurai's face. "I see. It will be good to rid these lands of such a danger then." The swords along his hips go forgotten, the pair of kukri being drawn instead as he begins to descend into the rocky valley below.
Yoshi will enter in, the blades lowering as he seems to take a moment to breathe in. "Follow my lead. I will get the beast's attention and will strike at it. You follow up behind me, try to flank the beast."
Yoshi will enter into the beast's domain, eyes warily watching the sand for any sudden movement. He focuses his ki, enhancing his blades with dangerous intent.
Atsuko sits patiently awaiting the men to answer.
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The young man was surprised that the samurai refused the rice, but quickly sat by the older one and ate the offered bowls themselves. Chowing down, the young man was busy, while the older one took his time eating, "The pirates are settled somewhere along the cove lands of this village. They have demanded rice before, but now they demand more! We are but poor farmers, we cannot afford their demands any longer good samurai."
The young man swallows his rice, nodding towards Ex-Dragon, "You're welcome." To the others, "Their ships are easier to find than their port, good samurai. They patrol the waterways at a particular time every day, late when others are sleeping. If you happen upon a ship, their cove may not be too far away."
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Mutoshito wrote in his journal, mulling it over, he scratched at his cheek, "These men will not likely be in the same spot after tonight, once they learn this creature didn't return to them. We may not have a second chance to recover our rations. Should we return and request for more, we would surely look to be fools, having lost a month's rations on the first few days of travel."
Mutoshito looks to the other two, "I believe this is our best course of action. I, of course, will not put myself in harm's way, should it come down to that. Our good nature will not be stained by my hand."He gestured to the creature after his little talk and followed it up the mountain side.
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Tadamasa gave Yoshi a firm nod, bracing his hunting crossbow against his hip in the general area where the monster lay. The disturbed sand shook and two large, buggy eyes stared out of the sand. They were as big as Yoshi's head. Yoshi's climbing caused a small clump of rock to roll down the hill and there was a brief silence. Then the beast broke free of its hiding, hopping out of the sand and landing firmly on the ground with a loud thump. Yoshi was 30 feet away from Lord Toad, the giant frog snapping its eyes to the smaller man.
In an instant, the frog's tongue lashes out to stick itself to Yoshi's chest with the force of a ram's horns. The tongue smacks itself into his armor and forcively pulls him towards Lord Toad's waiting mouth, his boots catching the sand and rock beneath him. It must have been 10 feet that Lord Toad pulled him, he was getting closer...
Atsuko nods as she hears the details.
"Patrolling the water ways, probably stealing form poor fisherman and merchant ships. These men lack honor and attack the weak for they are weak. Perhaps we can set a trap for them then. Maybe the three of us will do a little fishing tonight." She smiles and then takes a dink of water.
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The peasant men look between one another, and the old man smiles, "You are most wise, good samurai. Are you certain you would not like some rice? We could never repay you enough for your kindness."
The younger man nods, "When you're ready, I can show you where they will be. But I cannot fight them, as I am forbidden to practice the art of war and own no weapon that I can use, effectively."
"Thank you but no, I have food. I don't wish to burden your food stocks. I need no repayment." She smiles at him.
"That is most kind of you. Please once the others are finished show us." She continues to sip at her water.
The tongue strikes Yoshi in the chest, pulling a grunt from the man as he curses mentally inside. "Not close enough, curses." The calm demeanor he seems to have disappears as his form becomes far more aggressive, vicious, and dangerous.
The tongue begins dragging him closer to that gaping maw and Yoshi looks over his shoulder, shouting. "Now! Strike true Tadamasa!"
The Kukri are a blur of violence, as he strikes at the tongue that pulls him towards Lord Toad.