[X] Try to pull Elizabeth out of the water. She'll be torn up in there! (Check to try to pull Elizabeth out of The Depths, Leaves you open to attack)
Cursing under your breath, you dash to the left to head over to the pool where Elizabeth is. You think you hear your opponent laugh as you move, but you ignore it. Elizabeth's head is already underwater. If you don't hurry, she'll fall in completely and you won't be able to do anything. You skid to a stop next to the puddle while rolling up your sleeves, "Any tips to help me out here, Yato?"
[Yato Check: Supernatural: Fundamental Knowledge: 40 VS DC 30: Success!]
"The water is a Kappa's territory! While they are not as powerful as other water based monsters, they are still far more effective in it than on land. When you reach in, I will try to guide you toward Elizabeth's location. But we cannot allow the Kappa to get a hold of us. If it does, it will drag us down with her!"
"Got it!" you yell back, getting on your knees and shoving both your arms into the water. The feeling of your armored hands dipping into puddle is a strange one. It's not like when you put your hand in actual water. While it does feel cold it also feels...warm? You're not sure how to explain it. But you suppose that make sense considering the source of this water. You grimace while pushing your arms deeper into the water and listening for Yato's call.
You're elbow deep in the water when you hear him shout in your mind, "I have her! Move your right arm to the left, Lord Hayato!"
You do as asked and instantly feel something touch your palm. You grab on without hesitation, recognizing the feeling of a cloth uniform in your hands. You grin and start to pull as hard as you can. You're briefly surprised by the amount of resistance the water gives you. It actually feels like it's trying to drag her deeper into the puddle. But it's still not enough to stop you. You using your strength and pushing up with your legs, you start to pull Elizabeth out of the water with both hands. The first thing you pull out is her arm, the limb soaking with dark, brackish water as you drag it out. Your lips curl into a smile as you keep pulling. Just need to-
[53 (Hayato Physical Resistance) + 50 (Yato Physical Resistance) + 10 (UMT Passive) - 25 (Backstabbed) = 88 VS 50 (Curtain Of Blades Style) + 50 (Kasa-Obake COB) + 15 (Body Of Blades Technique) - 10 (Impregnable Body) = 105; Failure]
You cry out in pain as something sharp slashes across your back. You feel your grip lessen but you're back in order shortly. You grab Elizabeth's arm tighter and start to pull her up again. Another attack hits your back and you look over your shoulder. Sure enough, there's Keiko with her Partner in one hand and her other turned into that knife hand you saw. She must notice your glare cause she shoots a wicked grin your way, "What? You didn't expect me to not attack you when you're wide open, didjya?"
"You dishonorable cur!" you hear Yato scream while you try to focus on pulling Elizabeth out, "Your transgression will not go unpunished!"
"Shout all ya want! Not gonna stop me from tearing this kid up!" she maniacally laughs while continuing to strike at your back. The sharp pain spreads across your back and you grit your teeth to bare the pain. You try not to flinch because you know if you do Elizabeth will be sent back down into water. Not to mention there's every chance that the Kappa or his Partner will show up and try to drag her down-
"Hurry, Lord Hayato! I can see the Kappa and his human! They're coming this way!" Yato yells in your head, unfortunately confirming your suspicions. As another slash is made in your back, you manage to pull about half of Elizabeth's body out of the water.
She's, thankfully, still awake and coughs up a bunch of water. However, she's still holding her swords so the best she can do is try to use the edges of her hands to help pull herself out. But by this point the attacks on your back are starting to burn. You feel your arms shake as you try to ignore the pain and drag her out of the water. But it's still a struggle, especially when you feel Keiko smack you in the back with her bladed fan. A stifled cry leaves your lips as you're forced forward a step from the pain. But still you stand and put your other hand on Elizabeth's left shoulder. Just...a...little...more and-
"RRAAAAHHH!" you fall backward as with one last pull you manage to get Elizabeth out of the water. Her legs come out with a splash just as you catch a hint of some webbed green hands reaching for her legs. You think Keiko stepped away because you fall onto your back and don't feel her beneath you. You try to stand up, only to cringe in pain. Now that you're no longer helping Elizabeth...well...
[Health had deteriorated to Injured!]
...you're kind of glad you can't see your back right now. You don't think you'd like what you'd see.
"You-ah-you alright, Elizabeth?" you ask, helping her to her feet.
"I *cough* I told you not to *cough* worry about me," she tries to look frustrated, but the way her hair is drooping and soaked with water.
"You're very welcome," you grin while getting back into your fighting stance, "Now, ready for round 2?"
The male agent, Keiji, pops his head out of the water. You notice that his body isn't as soaked as Elizabeth's is. And he doesn't seem to be bothered by being in the water. He stares at the two of you with the barest hint of interest in his eyes, "Huh, color me surprised. Think that's the first time I've seen someone ignore Keiko to get their friend out of The Depths. Cool but, kind of stupid kid."
"Hey, I'm not complaining," Keiko says while holding her bloodied hand up for all to see. She grins and points the hand toward you, "I made sure to cut him up real good. He's not gonna be moving as easy as before. And I'll be able to really cut loose."
You grit your teeth and curl your hands into fists. You knew something like this might happen. And while you don't regret helping Elizabeth out, you can tell that your injuries are going to slow you down. Gritting your teeth, you ready yourself for the next round. Elizabeth does the same, getting to her feet and getting back into her stance. Keiko licks her lips then takes a step forward-
[Irina: Martial Arts: ??? = ??? VS Keiko: Physical Resistance: 40]
"Hayato, get down!"
You don't know why you just heard Irina's voice, or why it sounded metallic. But your instincts tell you to not question it and do as she says. You grab Elizabeth and fall to the floor, pressing your chest against the roof. Not even a second later you hear the sound of a door being kicked off its hinges. You feel something fly through the air above you before it slams into Keiko. The woman cries out as she gets knocked off her feet. The Kappa comes up just as the door flies over the downed Keiko, and both him and Keiji duck into the water to avoid the flying metal object.
You look up and back at the entrance to the roof, a sense of relief coming over you at what you see. Irina stands in the open door with her leg outstretched, her eyes locked onto Keiko's fallen form. She rushes over and stands in front of you and Elizabeth as you get to your feet. You look up and say, "Well, you got here faster than I thought."
"I can move pretty fast when I want to," Irina cracks her knuckles while keeping her eyes on the two agents, "Especially when I need to get something done fast, so I can go back to being with my Prinzessin. So, how about you two assholes over there pick on someone your own size rather than a student."
Elizabeth looks at you with a raised eyebrow, "So, you are acquainted with Estella?"
"You could say that," you smile while taking your arm off Elizabeth and look around. Yamato should be here too. There's no way he would-
"Hayato!" ah, there he is. You see him rushing over, Yameko hot on his heels. You wave at him while he checks you over with great care. The second he sees your bleeding back he shoots a death glare at the two agents while pulling his darts out of his uniform, "Yameko, we will be engaging in combat. Please check on Elizabeth and then join me."
"Yes, Yamato-sama," the Kitsune says, dropping her disguise and moving over to Elizabeth. The latter flinches away at the sight, but Yameko doesn't seem to notice. She just looks Elizabeth over, runs a few tails up the girl's back, then nods, "She's fine. I would suggest no one look at her for an extended period of time. Her clothes are soaked through."
"Wh-Hey!" Elizabeth's cheeks gain a dust of pink on them. If Yameko did that on purpose, she doesn't show it. She just moves to stand next to Yamato, her tails moving up to wrap around his arms. Elizabeth scowls for a bit longer before turning her eyes back to the two Organization agents.
Smiling you take a step forward and slam your fists together, "Now it's five on two. So, what's you gonna do now, assholes?"
Keiji lifts his head out of the pond and grimaces, "Ah, shit. This is going downhill fast. Keiko, I say we cut losses and get the heck outta here. We'll update the boss on what's going on, and let him know that this place isn't as soft a target as we thought."
The Kappa nods his head, "Keiji right! New lady strong and scary! We leave!"
Keiko, though, doesn't look even remotely bothered by the current circumstances. If fact, as she stands up almost none the worse for wear from getting with a metal door, she gives you all a almost manic smile. She doesn't bother glancing at Keiji as she speaks, "Are you kidding?! If you want to run off like a coward, go right ahead! I'm sticking around! This is the most fun I've had since I got this job!"
"Keiko, do I have to remind you that if you ignore orders-"
"Screw orders! Besides, one of us'll have to stay behind to keep this guys from following the other one, right?"
Keiji bites his bottom lip and you can tell that he is not happy that Keiko's got a point. He looks from her to your group then back and says, "Fine, but I'm not sticking around. One of us has got to get back to report what's happened here. Keiko, Kujo, you know two know what to do."
He directs the last part to his Kappa partner. Said Kappa salutes Keiji then dives back into the water. Keiji follows and leaves Keiko behind. Keiko raises her umbrella up above her head and the Kasa-Obake's singular eye opens wide. It starts to laugh while its tongue flies out of its mouth...and down toward Keiko.
[Yato Check: Supernatural Knowledge: The What: 40 VS DC ???; Failure]
[Yato Check: Supernatural Knowledge: The How: 40 VS DC ???; Failure]
[Yameko Check: Supernatural Knowledge: The What: 30 VS DC ???; Failure]
[Yameko Check: Supernatural Knowledge: The What: 35 VS DC ???; Failure]
[Irina Check: Supernatural Knowledge: The What: ??? VS DC ???; Success!]
[Irina Check: Supernatural Knowledge: The How: ??? VS DC ???; Success!]
"Shit! They can-Nagi brothers, girl, Yato, and Yameko," Irina turns around and points at all of you in turn, "They're about to do something crazy! I want you all to choose one of them and go after them. I'll take care of the other one!"
"Why? What are they going to-" Elizabeth starts to ask, but is soon interrupted by a sudden wave of pressurized air hitting all of you. Elizbaeht holds down her skirt with one hand while the rest of you all look at what's happening...only to see something...well...crazy.
Keiko has completely changed. Her umbrella is gone but not because she got rid of it. Rather it's because she seems to have fused with it. Her arms are covered in strange leathery "wings" that look like the furls of an umbrella. Each one is covered in sharp curved blades that shine in this light. Her hands now have literal blades sticking out from just above them, while her body is covered in layered armor. A bandana covers her head with a single eye emblazoned on the front, seeming to glare at your party.
A splash from the water draws your eyes to the puddle. Here you see Keiji leaping from the water, and diving over the fence that covers the roof. The waters he came from swiftly disappear as his new form is revealed in the light. He's still got a humanoid form, but now his feet and hands are webbed with yellow webs connecting them. On his back is a small brown turtle shell and his hair has turned the color of seaweed. He soon falls over the fence, falling down the side of the building, though you don't think he's in any danger. He's probably going to make a puddle for him to dive into before he hits the ground and survive.
"Di-Di-Did they...fuse with their partners?" you ask, completely floored by the revelation that something like that is even possible, "H-How did they-"
"I'll explain later!" Irina interrupts, drawing all of your attention. The sound of metal on metal rings through the air as Keiko gets ready for battle. You see her face has remained mostly the same, except for the fact that her eyes have turned a bright yellow color. Irina shouts again, "Right now, choose who you're gonna go for! The umbrella bitch in front of us, or the fish fucker running away from us! And before you ask, don't split up! If these guys are strong as I think, none of you will be able to take them on alone!"
You look between Yamato and Elizabeth, the three of you having a silent conversation. Then you look to your brother, wondering if he's got a plan. He meets your eyes and nods which somewhat alleviates your nervousness. Knowing that, you decide...
[] ...that you'll go after Keiji. You can't let him get away! (Irina VS Keiko; Your group VS Keiji)
[] ...that you'll handle Keiko. You've got a score to settle with her! (Your group VS Keiko, Irina vs Keiji)
[] ...that you'll follow Yamato's plan. Whatever that is. (Yamato decides)
[] Write in...
Here we go. Managed to get it finished. Hope you all enjoy, and hope the reveal didn't feel too out of nowhere. We're entering into the "Season" proper, so I figured it would be a good idea to show what the bad guys are capable of.
