The Horat-verse

"How long have you been here?!" Suiken asked, barely able to hold back his apprehension at the old woman's sudden appearance. "And perhaps in many regards, you can say that, yes," he whispered once again. "But the Snow Oni of old, developed such techniques to counter the Asura's own in wars long past. ...Is it there, er, something you want, though?"

"For you," A waitress commented, placing the steaming bowl of chanko nabe before Suiken. It smelt of rich flavours and heat.

"Pah! Snow Oni! Pah!" The old crone gargled. She raised a bamboo cane in the air and smashed it onto the table, sending the boiling bowl of stew into Suiken's lap. "You Snow Oni and Ashura keep fighting in the north and where does it get you? Pah!" The crone grumbled. She leaned in over the table at the pained Suiken. "And I suppose you know how to do an exorcism, do you?"

"Whoa! You almost became a fire oni!" Shuin said, watching him burn alive.

"WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS, YOU CRAZY OLD BAT?!" Suiken shouted, falling backwards to avoid the heat, smashing the table in two as he fell backwards. "Don't worry about what I can or can't do!" Suiken hollered back at the old woman, grabbing her by the collarl. "Why do you care!"

"Fifteen years as a healer in the Imperial Army," The woman barked back, smashing her cane into Suiken's head. "The only position in the army women were allowed to have. We studied the Oni and the Ashura for years... yes, the way you channel your Chi is quite clever, quite dangerous in fact!" The woman grinned. "An Oni or an Ashura with your spirit is as dangerous as a yunishman with a blade! But there was one thing you never figured out. Together... their chi is more powerful than anything."

The woman brushed Suiken off her before turning to Namari. "You want to lift the curse on those handcuffs? You get yourself a Snow Oni and an Ashura working together... you already have the Oni, now you only need the Ashura." The woman smiled wildly, revealing her missing teeth and laughed. "Of course! You won't find any of those in Poyo!"

***

Samyan felt a pebble bounce off her head.

"Hey!" A voice called. The Ashura-in-disguise turned to spot a young shark-boy in a hanfu with his arms crossed, tapping his feet as he waited for Samyan to finish selecting her purchase. "Hurry up and pick!" The beast-boy whined. "I want my emperor doll!"

Onlookers stared at their table, scowling.

"Smashing tables, assaulting old women... typical snow oni."

"We never should've let 'em in." One of them violently worked up a loogie and spit loudly in their direction. "Someone get that troublemaker out of here!"

"Hey punk, what did'ya say?" A voice bellowed from behind one of the extreme racists. He turned to see a monkey man, arms crossed with a frown, staring down at him menacingly. Kaor and Xanth would blink to see their new friend suddenly gone from the table.

"No, no, I didn't say anything!" The punk, a young man with bangs, said defensively with his hands up, his face slowly gravitating away from the beastman's intimidating aura.

"Yeah we did!" One of the other punks, a bright eyed Yunish man with spiky hair, suddenly butt in, betraying his buddy. He threw his arm around his nervous pal with a stupid grin. "Are we about to get lectured by some bonobo now?"

"Hey, man, stop..."

Namari, still sitting at the half-cracked open table, stared across the room with mild amusement. If she had some tea right now, she would sip it. This counts as a distraction, too.

Takai visibly angered but gave the punk a menacing smile and stepped forward, standing straight to tower over the two, "How 'bout you apologize to our Snow Oni friend there, before I tie you to a firework and blast you to Flaming Lae Ming Wae?"

"Of course, we were just about to leave anyway," the punk said smugly, patting his friend on the back. Passing by the oni, he leaned in and mockingly drew out, "Sooorry" as he kicked the spilled bowl of soup toward him. Suddenly, the door flew open and smashed him in the face, sending him crashing into the floorboards.

"I love the Golden Peach Inn!" said the new customer holding open the door.

Suiken rubbed his head, wondering why his luck had turned so sour all of the sudden. What was that old woman on about? Ashura were one in a million all across the land of Yune. As for the ritual....the woman as no doubt correct. But with her suggestion, there was far more risk involved...But that was something to think of later. For now here he lay, covered in stew and soup, rethinking his arrival in the small town of Poyo, festival or no festival. But the monkey beast-man before him seemed to have driven his current tormentors away. "I thank you, youngster..." Suiken sat up, bowing in respect. "Ah, what sort of predicament have you found yourself in now, Suiken?" he asked himself before turning to look at Namari and Shuin. "Are you two alright?"

Samyan rubbed the back of her head and scowled at the sharp-toothed brat. “You can’t rush important decisions in life, boy,” she said wisely, turning back to the stall. “Adopting is always a big commitment. It’s important to think carefully so you don’t make any mistakes.”

A vein throbbed in the Yunish man’s temple. “THEY’RE SCROGGING DOLLS!!”

“Is that what they’re for?” Samyan asked, eyebrows raising slightly. She put a finger thoughtfully to her chin. “What a thing to sell at a festival.”

Dark red shot across one of the man’s eyes as a vein burst from apoplexy. His lips curled in a snarl around clenched yellow teeth, and the curled fingers of his left hand hovered by Samyan’s shoulder, making an impressive show of restraint to throw her into the river. “Just take one of the festival souvenir dolls, please,” he hissed.

“Or just get both!” the woman chimed in, ever the master of de-escalation.

“They might not get along, though?” Samyan picked them both up gingerly, bringing them close to her face to examine them. “I should take a bit of time to consider this.”

---

---

Samyan bolted around the corner of the crowded festival streets as a variety of souvenirs and snack foods were hurled through the air behind her, accompanied by a howl of rage and bloodlust.

”DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLS!!!!”

She darted through the crowds, shaft of her scythe bouncing against her shoulder and face impassive as she absconded swiftly from the man seeking her truly unjust demise. Her feet made a light tap tap tap tap sound in the dirt as she went past a crowd of guards who seemed to be investigating a stall that had been wrecked by two drunk women, her back keeping straight and only one arm pumping along at her side as if she were on a brisk morning jog.

“A man is trying to kill me,” she said in passing to the Yunish prefect, not bothering to stop and elaborate before disappearing into the throngs of revellers at the other end of the street.

The dimming sky glittered with the sparkles of fireworks cascading through the air above Poyo. The town glowed a bright, golden orange, with faint hues of red from the reflection upon wood painted in a bright crimson color. Ren Van gazed out at the village as the boat drew closer to the docks, letting his hand gracefully graze across the silky glass surface of the waters. There appeared to be some commotion at one end, someone falling into the water? Seemed as though it was being taken care of though as a nearly buck naked figure staggered to the shore.

The Hedonism of some of these Yune seemed to have no bounds. Ren looked back to the town, paper lanterns were now more clearly visible, as were the revelers running about and enjoying themselves. What an exciting time, a chance to celebrate and cheer on the great accomplishments of the Emperor, of Yune! Great feats like invading Yeuxkyen and stealing parts of their land! In truth, there was only so much bitterness Ren could still feel towards that, his home felt much less homely these days than in his youth. Still, that did not entirely erase the sense of indignity the whole celebration brought with it.

Never mind that though, this was his first time being in the lands of Yune Proper, a chance to see new lands, peoples, and hopefully make a little extra coin.



The boat finally docked, and Ren began to step out onto the peer, boots touching down on the wet planks. It had been trickling down a little, but not so much to be a problem for the swordsman. He tossed the coins he owed to the boatman, grabbed his bag, and made his way down the dimly lit docks towards town.

Once he reached the cobblestone streets connected to the waterfront, he was greeted by the sights and sounds of crowds of men, women, and children of every race. There was running about, singing, eating, shooting off fireworks. It would almost be a wonderful thing, and Ren might just have to stomach putting on a happy face to avoid conflict, but he rather hoped he could simply avoid doing anything that would even remotely please Yune's emperor.

Some of the stalls he passed were filled with wondrous items, some from different corners of the known world. He'd even spotted some clothes from his home land! Golden robes with bright right embroidery throughout them, probably worth a small fortune, and not something that seemed practical for him to own right now. There was also a food stall he noted had noodle dishes like pho and xoi, and even had a plate of lettuce wrapped goi cuon rolls. The familiar temptation of home called to him, but he saw the stall owner was a fellow Yeuxkyenan. Dressed the way he was now, Ren suspected it might not be the best way to meet a fellow countryman.

Skipping past the stalls, Ren decided to stroll past the many columns of merchants, through the brightly lit streets and thin fog of firework smoke, to try and locate some sort of tavern or inn.

”DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLS!!!!”

Ren was startled by the screaming as he watched a towering white figure speed past him in the street. He slowed down, looking towards the crowd the individual had disappeared into, only to hear another startling shout from behind him.

”DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLS!!!!”

A deranged man, eyes ablaze, pulled back his arm, winding up for a powerful punch, aimed for no apparent reason at Ren! The fist flew forward, all power released in a forward projection to the Yeuxkyenan's face. But in a move both swift and almost undetectable, the dark armored swordsman had brushed his arm up and to the side, knocking his assailants arm to the side, gripping onto the wrist, and quickly responding with a firm slap across the screaming man's face.

A slight trickle of blood came down from the screaming man's now split lip, his eyes now glistening, lip quivering. Ren shook his head.

"You're going to need to calm down and get a grip over yourself, whatever your problem is. You go around throwing fists at random men in armor, and you're going to end up with something broken." He patted the shaken Yunean on the shoulder. "Happy Emperor's Day." Ren spoke softly as he walked away. Almost immediately after the confrontation, his eyes landed upon an inn.

The Golden Peach.



As he reached the doors, watching a pair of punks leaving, with hands up to their noses for some reason, he felt a sense of relief, a chance to finally relax, get something to eat, and hopefully a place to sleep. Upon entering, he was almost immediately greeted by the sight of a Snow Oni in the room.

Ren felt his heart sink a little.

Of all the places and times on this planet he had to come across another one, it had to be here?

He cast his gaze away from the blue monster, eyes catching sight of several interesting other folks here too, the Beastmen (Beastwomen as well?) in particular. One of them seemed pretty big, but despite their unique nature, Ren didn't really have any good or ill feelings towards them. He hadn't really interacted with many before, so as far as he was concerned they were just strangers.

The swordsman found himself an empty booth, placed his bag down in a corner, took a seat, and settled in. While he waited for a server to come greet him, he started milling over what he might be able to do in Yune for work, and also what he could do to avoid the Snow Oni. The fellow seemed tough, but he'd fought with them and against them before, he knew he could handle himself against them if he ever had to. Still, Ren had no interest in being someone's 'unpaid warrior' again.

The two thugs and their Oni harassment went unnoticed by most in the Golden Peach as they exited for the hectic floor of the tavern was crowded by travellers and drunkards from all over. Shoji screen windows were open, revealing beyond the sights, sounds and smells of the festival. Several townsfolk spoke out to those passing on the street. It was a lively scene.

From Ren's table he had a perfect view of a fire-swallower outfitted in bright red. She had one foot balanced on the cobblestone and one foot in the air, and with her hands she began to focus chi into a blaze of heat that launched into the air sky then down her open mouth. The crowd cheered and applauded, though it was drowned out by horns and singing from nearby street performers. The smell of baked goods caught Ren's attention as children ran by munching on warm festival snacks.

"Welcome to the Golden Peach! The peach at the heart of Poyo's orchard!" A waitress said as she approached Ren's booth with a frantic bow. She wore a flowing pink shenyi with flowers embroidered upon it, and her dark hairs were put up in a messy bun. "Happy Emperor Day! May we take your order?" She said, giving another bow.

Xanth's hair drooped at Takai's reply - it, just like she, was bad at hiding disappointment. She shifted around on her seat and gave a few limp-wristed motions towards Kaor before squishing and rubbing the dog's jowls fondly. Then she squinted at the beastman and shook her head, gesturing back to Kaor with the same demeanor as a teacher scolding their underling. She disarmingly laughed off whatever that conversation was, it must have just been a joke, nothing to worry about, and hopped off the dog. She opened the small pouch on her side. From within it, she retrieved a small scroll, which she splayed out on the table before them.

'For hire.'

One finger jutted up in the air, and the sound of metal unsheathing cut through the air right before two shiny daggers were plonked down on the table beside the message. Xanth's elbows slid across the table, her hands squishing her cheeks together and making her seem all the more harmless. Her eyebrows wiggled suggestively.

The commotion finally took her attention and potential employer away. She slumped, brow twitching as she watched the merriment being disturbed. Ugh, annoying. As she turned her head back, steam hit her nostrils. A bamboo basket of freshly steamed buns were laid before her. She beamed, quite alright with letting things behind her get out of hand, and did the hot potato with the bun she'd picked up.

'Good for business,' she signed casually to Kaor after catching the bun with her teeth, and jutted her thumb back towards the Snow Oni's company, 'Fear and prejudice. There's money to make off of that.'

She dropped a bun down into the dog's jaws, nodding thoughtfully, then gestured towards the noble-looking woman chained to an idiot. She tapped her pouch, then Kaor's chest, then returned to her own chest with wiggling fingers and a wink.

Ren looked up to the waitress that approached him, stifling a grimace at the 'Happy Emperor's Day'. He politely smiled and gave a bow of his head to her. "And a Happy Emperor Day to you. Could I perhaps trouble you for a green tea to start with? And perhaps some water too, I've had a rather long journey." He briefly admired the garb she wore, momentarily wondering if she paid for it, or the Inn did. Seemed expensive, especially with the fine embroidery.

"As for food... How about we start off with two pork buns, two spring rolls, and some huoguo." As the waitress took his order and went to relay it to the kitchen, Ren took a moment to further survey his surroundings. This Inn seemed well established. Ornate carvings crept up the walls of the separated booth he found himself sitting in, with a thin dragon head spouting from the top to connect with the ceiling.

The whole room seemed bright and lively from all of the candles and lanterns, bringing out the full colors of wall dioramas that illustrated various scenes. From calm, agrarian romances, to epic historical battles, to deals made with dragons. Of course, today the whole area seemed to be particularly fraught with effigies of the beloved Emperor as well, many of which were hung on the red support pillars that bore lovely gold colored dioramas and designs of their own.

The inside of the Inn itself (in the main area at least) was quite spacious, filled mainly with low built round tables and chairs. Their dark oak and equally ornate carvings made Ren nearly wonder if perhaps all parts of Yune had this kind of elegance, or if perhaps it was just the result of a healthy population of skilled craftsmen throughout.

Finally, his eyes were drawn back to the Oni and his companions. Ren still felt uneasy about the situation, though he tried to ignore. Tried to, until he noticed the metal chain hung between the woman and the boy with him. Were they....

Slaves?

He tried to wrack his mind, trying to recall the Empire's policies on that. He had thought it was illegal to enslave humans here. Had things changed? Or was this perhaps some less than legal affair? Either way, Ren was starting to feel a few too many familiar feelings associated with Snow Oni.

Kaor blinked at her companion, humming and watching her go about her conversations with a nod before simply smiling and leaning forth to speak with ‘her Gecko’ as privately as possible.
Well… As privately as a crowded inn/bar could be considered.
The final signing that Xanth gave to Kaor wasn’t missed, and the bear woman beamed a bright smile at her companion. “Ahh… Yes. Why not. Shall I be a distraction for you my dear? Let me see if I cannot play the part of a good woman for once, hm?”

She turned her attention to the Snow Oni at hand, smiling vaguely before letting her expression darken into a mask of fury.
Two, maybe three, teenagers were giving Takai grief, and an old woman was harassing the Oni as well. Her gaze turned to Xanth with a wink, before returning to the commotion behind with that same fury bubbling up to the surface.

She stood from her table with her Gecko, giving the beloved mutt a quick pet upon the head before she quickly made her way towards the accosted group. She took note of a woman of some nobility and a peasant man chained together, of Takai and the poor Oni covered in stew, and of the trio of hecklers making their exit. Her maw opened, and as she was bringing forth a mighty bellowing roar, with which she planned to chastise the three stooges…
Their main-man found his face impacting with a door. Ouch. Hah. Hahaha!

“Bahahaha! HAH! That is what you get you little cretins! Begone with you three! Before I set a mind forth for your haunches to meet my paws!” Her voice was nearly deafening to be beside, and she caught sight of more than one patron ducking away and covering their ears.
She brought her bulk over to the Oni, shifting first the massive bamboo and leather strap basket upon her back to reach inside, and then retrieve a somewhat smaller, stitch and leather pack. From within THAT pack, she removed a relatively fair sized swathe of cloth. “Good sir, good sir, please. Take this and clean yourself up some, if you would like! I take it that your night has not been going well, no? And you, Takai! Please! Don’t leave me from the fun next time! I dare say we might be a terrifying duo for those who have no respect!”
She snarled out, smiling throughout her words.

She flipped a single coin to Takai, letting her expression soften before it became fierce and lively once again. A massive paw clapped the Snow Oni on the shoulder as the other offered him the ‘towel’. Her gaze slid towards the chained individuals, and as she spoke, she only hoped that her presence was enough to keep all eyes on her from this motley crew. “Now that’s something I’ve yet to see! Why are the two of you all chained up my dears? Would you like me to ah, break those links for you? Or is that what the good sir here was already offering to do? I was trying my hardest not to eavesdrop.”

"I can stand waiting a little longer for my food," Namari said addressing Suiken, casually brushing her bangs as the bear viciously mauled the hooligans in the background. Shuin just laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head.

"Wow... real rowdy bunch in here, huh?" he said, rethinking his plans as suddenly they had begun to draw a small crowd of bodies around them. Well, perhaps not so small, considering that same bear was now casting a massive shadow upon them. His thumb hooked instinctually but naturally under his sash, near his sword, as he maintained a polite smile.

Though Namari could not see Shuin, she could sense his unease. No, maybe not unease. More like...

"You want to have a go at these chains?" he laughed, lifting his arm up (and Namari's with it). "We'll welcome more than one challenger! Fifty gold pieces to the lucky winner! She'll be paying, of course."

"Suiken stood up and brushed himself off. He bowed apologetically towards the innkeeper. "Please forgive me. I didn't mean to cause you any trouble. If you don't mind, I would like another bowl of chanko nabe...to go this time. You won't be troubled again."

The old innkeeper studied the Oni suspiciously for a bit, before taking a he took a huff from his pipe and sighed. "Don't worry about it. Just make sure you..." he glanced over and eyed the two handcuffed humans as Shuin had begun to raise an offer to the group. "...or your friends don't cause me any more trouble."

"Thank you!" Suiken stated gratefully, before he walked back towards back at Shuin and Namari. There seemed to be another human that had entered the inn just recently. He too was giving Suiken the stink eye, but the oni payed no mind. He would have a couple of kind Beast-men to contend with if he started any more trouble. "Aha..." the oni, approached his two bound companions, chuckling tiredly at the sight of Shuin's gallivanting. "I think...it'd be best to NOT put these good people up to any er...insurmountable tasks, eh?"

"I'm just jokin'," Shuin said with a grin, playfully hitting the oni on the shoulder.

"Your 'jokes' have a nasty habit of coming true," Namari chimed in with a long sleeve over her mouth, her murky eyes boring into him with a knowing stare. "Better to hold your tongue now. Your breath is going to draw the worms, worm."

Ginchyio's gaze lingered on Ro's face, searching it up and down before she let out an entertained laugh and started smiling wildly. "Hahaha, you're kidding me! Little River Ro?!" Still grinning, she looked the prefect in the eyes for a moment before whispering, "You do have his eyes, though."

"Your father is one of few Yune officers worth their salt," she spared a look to the two prefects on either side of Ro, "No offense." Suddenly in great spirits, Ginchiyo clapped a hand across the Vendor's back and barked out another laugh.

"Your dad made it seem like you were fresh out of Agoge, still a boy, but you're definitely of age to be looking for a bride..." The sentence trailed off thoughtfully as Ginchiyo rubbed her chin with her right hand. "...Er, anyways, you heard from the two guards that were here, and though I can't be held entirely responsible for being sent sailing into this man's wares, I'm not an unreasonable person."

She stood to pick up a splintered piece of what used to be the man's table and gave it a quick once over. "This looks like Huali wood," She gave the splintered wood a quick sniff before continuing. "Doesn't seem to be decorated or lacquered... I'll give the unlucky oaf," She paused to grab a pouch from her belt, "Three silver, for-" Her offer was cut short by a pale Ashura, in a dark yukata who had a man, "trying to kill her."

As the Ashura began to disappear into the crowds, Ginchiyo raised a questioning eyebrow and looked towards Prefect Ro, waiting for his reaction.

Prefect Ro searched Ginchiyo's face for a moment, his brown eyes meeting hers. "I'm- married to the job," He explained, displaying perhaps the most humanity he was capable of. Despite the officer's awkwardness his demeanour towards Lo-Muna and Ginchiyo seemed to shift. It was in small details: the way he lowered his parchment pad, or how he'd uncrossed his arms. Prefect Ro suddenly seemed less threatening. It was a warm summer night after all, and the smells and sounds of the festival beckoned for him to return.

Small footsteps clacked. The trio of prefects turned to see a goblin in sea-fairing wear approach. "If it helps I saw everything," The goblin spoke up.

"And?" The prefect asked.

They smiled at Ginchiyo and Lo-Muna before turning back to Ro, staring up with cat-like goblin green eyes. "The truth. Every word," They replied. "A game of mahjong with two shady characters. She won. The pair of sore losers caused a scene and threw her straight into this man's cart."

"And your name, miss?"

"Not a miss," The goblin corrected. "And it's Jensu. Captain Jensu."

"Well," Prefect Ro began, turning from the goblin captain to the vendor, the beast-man, and the wild-woman. "Seems cleared up to me."

Ginchiyo had begun to negotiate a small reparation fee to the man when screams cut through. The prefects turned to see an pale blue figure a head above the rest of the crowd, running toward the town square. Just then, a sound began to echo out from the gate. The village bell.

The street stopped dead at the sound, the festivities and merriment of the festival drawing to a close. And then came the panic. Ro frowned as suddenly the citizens of Poyo rushed down the street, pushing past the mini crime scene. "It's the village bell," One of the two teenage guards informed nervously as they began to run off with the crowd. "There’s some sort of trouble out there!"

“I knew this holiday was cursed!” The other guard screamed as he ran after his partner.

"Quickly!" A voice called through the crowd. Ro turned to see the town crier yelling out over the citizens. "A state of emergency has been issued! Everyone to the town centre!" He announced. “To the safety of the village square!”

"Altan! Huo!" Ro commanded his two lieutenants. The prefects snapped to attention. "Forward by my lead."
Ro turned to face Lo-Muna, Jensu, Ginchiyo and the racist. “Stay with us,” He said before hurrying forward down the street. The brass whistle that hung from his neck bounced at his step. His long green armour rattled. His hand held down a short-sword, and on his back a tower-shield swung with each step. Upon it's bronze ribs were the yunish characters for the raging rivers province and the word prefect. Poyo was a small village, and the handful of prefects in town were perhaps the only skilled lawman in miles.

Ro pushed passed a screaming crying citizen, making way for the four to follow toward the town-square. All the while the bell rang on…

***

Inside the Golden Peach Inn the bell was heard loud and clear. And it was though the mood of the tavern shifted all in one moment. Takai, Suiken, and Namari were suddenly struck by an onslaught of patrons rushing towards the exits en masse. They pushed and shoved as they did, nearly knocking Ren’s booth in.

A guard on the street outside stuck their head into one of the inn’s shoji curtains. He was breathing heavily. "Quickly! Poyo is in a state of emergency: everyone to the town square!" He called out to the inhabitants. “Trust me. You want to be as far from the walls as possible." With a heavy swallow he too ran off with the crowd of citizens toward the centre of town.

The waitress too hurried, avoiding the cook who leapt out from the kitchen and collided face first into Kaor’s side. The cook fell to the ground before Xanth and Kaor as the waitress making a swift exit.

***

As Yamato drunkenly approached the east gate to the village the bell began to ring from the walls above. The loose assemblage of guards atop the wall’s ramparts were running frantically. Even in his drunken state, the tengu knew something was wrong.

"Hey!" A guard called out to the ronin as he slid down a ladder and staggered to into a run. He was a young man, late teens, perhaps early twenties, covered in spots. And looking like he’d never before wielded the spear that was now gripped between his sweaty palms. "Something's happening... I, I think we're under attack." He blinked at Yamato, noticing his trio of blades. "You've got to get to the village centre. We could use your help... and the Mayor will pay anyone who helps!" The guard nodded at him and began to run with the rest of the populace, hoping he’d follow.

***

The bells were faintest on the village outskirts: farmlands outside the wall but inside the Poyo's radius. And through the fields were sparse families too ran. A single boy pelted down the dirt road toward the walls, ramming violently into Sunaraashi as he did, who’d wandered outside the festival grounds. The boy stood and backed up slowly, looking at the strange Sunen in fear. "…Are you going to eat me?" He whispered, his voice trembling.

***

Samyan and her two dolls had run from the scene of their crimes directly into the cobblestone laden village square. To Samyan’s surprise, she was not the only one running, as beside her crowds began to pour into the square in panic. Bells were ringing from the village walls.

Before her towered the town-hall tower, and standing before it was a figure of red-stone decked in ancient armour, holding out a banner high in the air. His face was expressionless, his body unmoving and built out of glistening red stone. It was a statue of a noble yunish man from ages passed, propped up in the centre of the square. The stature stared Samyan down as if to tell her she did not belong here, in the heart of Yunishness. And perhaps the gods were about to make her pay for her deceit.

***

Several streets over Yuwen strolled calmly as the people ran forward toward the distant town square. It was filling to the brim with the citizenry and visiting guests to the port village. A small smirk grew on his face: both because he knew how badass he looked walking calmly in the chaos, and two... because he caused this.

Suiken sighed, sitting up. "Just what's going on in Poyo? I truly wanted to see the fireworks this year," the snow oni questioned. "Such curious happenings..." Suiken shook his head, standing up from his seat. He took a step outside, just to observe whatever prompted this sudden state of emergency and a horde of people were rushing past in a panic. "Excuse me! Excuse me!" the oni called to one of the panicking citizens.

"What's the cause of all this mayhem?" he inquired.

"It seems the people here are panicked on short notice," Namari noted, with lightly narrowed eyes. "You'd think they were going to war." The words were spoken softly, but there was a bite to them. Like her mother who raised her, her tone was often thick with layers of condescension, a dash of contempt, and maybe some mild amusement. Perfectly suited for the vermin breed in this little town; should it burn to the ground, it will not be remembered as anything more than another one of Yune's ugly wounds on the land. Truly, it was a wonder their warmongering ilk thought themselves any higher than Gwanish savages.

She excused herself from her seat and, without looking, maneuvered with relative ease around the rushing patrons that shoved their way between the tables. "Forget it, I've lost my appetite. I'm going upstairs to lay down."

"You don't want to see what's going on?" Shuin asked through a mouthful after sneakily pinching a snack out of an unsuspecting man's hand and immediately eating it. "Sounds dangerous... right up your alley!" He took another bite.

Namari stared for a moment, annoyed.

"No."

"Aw, come on. It'll be fun! I'm down for a fight! Right, random monkey guy?" Shuin put his arm around the beastman's shoulder, his new best friend. "We can be the heroes who saved, uh -- what was this town's name again? Boyoh? That's a win in my book!"

The sound of bells interrupted Ren's careful consideration of the Snow Oni and his 'companions', something was going on outside, and it had the whole town in a stir. A guard had come in, telling people to get out of the building, and the waitress and chef had bolted out of the inn.

Before he got his food or tea.

Ren sighed slightly and gave a faint, half frown. He really wanted that tea, at the very least. But now it seemed like he might not even be getting any rest tonight, depending on what exactly it was that was considered a state of emergency. But... That guard had said something about the walls? Did he mean an earthquake?

He grabbed his bag, placing it back over his shoulders as he placed a hand on the hilt of one of his swords. The two that were chained up (or rather, the one girl) were making their way upstairs, which was admittedly not very 'slave like'. Perhaps the story with the Oni was more complicated.

"That guard said to avoid the walls, miss. I don't wish to presume too much, but I would think the whole building may not be entirely safe based on his assessment."

Ren made his way towards the doors of the inn, giving a polite nod in the direction of the beastmen (the bear and the monkey), and then to the Sunean. "Here's an opportunity to perhaps earn a free meal. Or die. Either way, I'm sure this should at least be interesting." He smiled softly, the only indication he was trying to employ dark humor.

Once outside, he stood next to the Snow Oni, taking in the sight of the chaos, following the crowd of fleeing civilians with his eyes. He took notice of the town's tower, a tall, narrow tower, with red brick walls on the first floor (similar to the pavilion around it), white on the upper floors, red painted wood pillars, and sloping, green roofs, likely made of copper.

The sellsword looked to the Oni, then back to the crowd. "Did anyone manage to say anything intelligible?" He asked of the large blue skin, indicating to the frenzied, panicked civilians.