Aolai (Story Mission)

[Larsi]

Aolai Campaign #20 @Kaka​

Kali grimaced as her opponents settled into several vantage positions around her, as Brahma's power continuously pressed her against the tree trunk, making it impossible for her to push away. It was all she could do to keep her staff held forward, as if trying to will the winds away, yet it apparently did nothing.

Vishnu's voice pierced through the torrent, reaching her among her forceful imprisonment. Her grimace twisted into a grin, and she turned to face the Guardian. I am here to send a message. Lord Svahi comes, and will pull Aolai from its place among the heaven, down to the seas and earth below. Too long have you sat on your throne above the rest, pretending to be gods! You shall all perish beneath the fire of the Sun!

With the last word, Kali's staff ignited once more and it was immediately fanned immensely by the winds that Brahma brought. Kali screamed in agony as she swung her staff back against the tree she was pressed against, using the force of the wind to empower her strike. Fire exploded outwards, engulfing the great tree in an instant, exploding outwards and catching any unfortunate nearby souls.

The force crashed into the trunk, shattering the wood and sending a shock up the entire height. Groaning deeply, the tree swayed, then started falling against the other one, leaves burned away.

Like the tree, Kali's lifeless husk fell to the ground, among a littering of ash. Vishnu stepped up, followed by Hanuman, whole the earthen dome fell apart to reveal Shiva.

Her veil is gone, as is her life essence. Vishnu said, then turned to Sasaki. Come, you must receive my gift.

 

[Kaka]

Brahma's powerful gale formed a prison against the trunk of the Great Tree, the pressure so strong and relentless that it prevented Kali from pushing it away, or even moving within the strong currents. Sasaki let his guard down, figuring that the fight was over - that is, until Kali did the unthinkable. Normally, Sasaki would be able to see that coming with his Future Sight, however currently, his sensory abilities were highly impaired, and so he did not. Using her staff and the fire that trailed about it, Kali delivered one last powerful attack, this one aimed toward the tree trunk of the Great Tree. The fire almost instantly climbed the width and the height of the tree trunk, engulfing it in a powerful inferno. The sheer power of Kali's attack, combined with the flames eating away at the tree trunk, one half of the Great Tree suddenly started to lean to the side, before falling over and crashing into the other half of the Great Tree. That half withstood, but the Great Tree was greatly damaged. Sasaki grit his teeth and clenched his fists, his Monkey King's staff still in his right.

Tsch... what have they done...

Sasaki said regretfully, the fallen half of the Great Tree reflecting in his eyes. Vishnu spoke up, stating that Kali's veil, as well as her life essence, were gone, before inviting Sasaki to follow. He was to receive Vishnu's gift.

Sasaki nodded and mounted the Monkey King's staff back on his back, ready to follow.

 

[Larsi]

Aolai Campaign #21 @Kaka​

Shiva approached the tree slowly, or rather what remained of it. The burned husk of the ancestral wood had fallen onto the throne that long ago had belonged to Durga, shattering the stone and scattering its pieces across the plaza. Absently the Guardian waved their hand, causing the stone walls that had been created moments ago to deal with the intruder to recede, shaping back into the surface from before. The crater in the center remained, as did Kiko's lifeless body.

Shiva moved closer to the ruins, gingerly lifting the ashen trunk away from the throne, then placed their palm onto the shattered seat. As if pulled by magnets, the shattered pieces started rolling back towards the throne, then jumping off the ground and landing into the holes they had been torn from. Cracks sealed and soon the throne was whole, yet Shiva held their hand to the structure, as if in mourning, pointedly ignoring the body of Kali and the burnt tree.

Meanwhile as Sasaki prepared himself to follow the Guardian, Vishnu could not help but smile, even despite the situation. No no, this is the gift.

Vishnu leaned down, touching their enormous hand to Sasaki's chest, sending a surge of electric energy into his body. With that, the world of Aolai would open up to the former Protector, his observation haki no longer obstructed. The serene sky island would feel to him as if it came alive, every animal and bird living in harmony. Soft winds and calm rivers, large and small trees, vast fields and high mountains. It was all clear to him now, except for in one singular place, which would be more obvious to him than the others who had been distracted from noticing it before. Should Sasaki reach out and locate the place that was out of reach of his new senses, and if he remembered the locations of Aolai, he would know where it was. The Forbidden Forest.

What was her purpose? Brahma asked, speaking in general. Was this a... diversion?

 

[Kaka]

Sasaki was ready to follow Vishnu, however he had misunderstood. The gift was here, and it would be given to him now. Vishnu moved closer toward Sasaki, touching the former protector's chest. A surge of electricity moved through Sasaki's body, and then it happened. As if all of Aolai had been black and white up until now, it suddenly was overtaken by a wave of color, brought to life. Sasaki's eyes closed, almost on instinct, and he inhaled deeply. He could feel it. The birds. The insects. The animals. The lakes. The waterfalls. The forests. All of Aolai, in its uttermost beauty, it all flooded into Sasaki's mind and heart. Sasaki himself wouldn't even notice it, but the others could - while Sasaki's eyes were closed, and all of Aolai's essence flooded into his body, his mouth curved into a happy smile. He was back home.

The ordeal took a few seconds, but they passed in an instant - at least to Sasaki, who had not felt this much emotion in a long time. He exhaled and his eyes opened, his head nodding in a small bow toward Vishnu.

With my return, I promise the safety of Aolai.

Sasaki said, giving his proclamation. He had thought that he had lost his home, but now it was back in his life. And he would never let it be taken from him.

Brahma moved on straight to the point, wondering outloud what had been the point of Kali coming here.

A diversion, or simply a message. We should be on guar-!

Sasaki said, suddenly and prematurely ending his sentence. His eyes widened momentarily - he felt it. Not the Forbidden Forest. He had already felt that earlier when the essence of Aolai flooded into him.

What caused Sasaki to stutter, was something else. His Haki was able to pick it up...

Saru... was about to stumble into the Forbidden Forest.

 

[Larsi]

Aolai Campaign #22 @Kaka​

The Forbidden Forest was different than most of Aolai, which usually bathed in a soft sunlight, except for when obscured by the rare cloud that ventured even higher than the sky island itself. Instead of being exposed to the outside, the woods laid in darkness from the vast mass of trees that seemed to almost merge together into one. Yet today was different, as from within the center of the forest itself was a bright light, shining outwards with great intensity. Two figures stood before a large stone statue at the center of a clearing, surrounded by several other smaller statues. One of the two figures held its palm against the big statue, seemingly channeling light into the sculpture.

Suddenly, the figure turned its head around, looking back toward the outskirts of the forest. Its voice almost a growl, the figure spoke to the other. Someone is here, take care of them, Shitala.

The second figure only nodded and withdrew from the clearing, heading quickly in the direction of the new arrival.

__________________________________________________​

Brahma turned to face Sasaki as he stopped mid speak. What is it? What do you sense?

But Sasaki would no longer be able to sense Saru, as he had entered the area that blocked his senses.

__________________________________________________​

As Saru approached the forest, a lone figure emerged from within the woods. A soft hue of light emitted from the figure, golden armor and red loose cloth adorned the body of the humandrill. A staff rested on Shitala's shoulder, and his face held a deep frown.

What little ant has wandered in here?

​

Spoiler

Shitala stats
90 x 5 = 450

Strength: 69 (MA: +5, Race: +27) = 101

Speed: 96 (MA: +5) = 101 [Movement Speed: 101 | Reaction Speed: 101]

Vitality: 69 (MA: +5, Race: +27) = 101 [Stamina: 101 | Durability: 101]

Martial Arts: 73 (Race: +27) = 100 [Infernal Weapon: 100 | Infernal Humandrill Kata: 100 | Humandrill Mimicry: 100]

Haki: 100 [Busou-shoku no Haki: 100 | Kenbun-shoku no Haki (awareness): 100]

Expertise: 43 [Life Return: 86 ]

 

[Kaka]

Sasaki's face turned into a worried frown as he lost his track of Saru. Brahma asked Sasaki what was wrong, and if he was sensing something.

Tsch... my friend Saru entered the Forbidden Forest. He's a young Humandrill who was born down on the Blue Sea. He doesn't know about Aolai, or the dangers of that forest.

Sasaki said, a look of worry clear on his face.

Brahma-sama, what is the situation in that forest after all of these years?

Sasaki said, he himself unaware of the situation in that forest, due to his absence.



Meanwhile, Saru took his last free steps and entered the forest, unaware of its dangers, its name, or the meaning behind it. As Saru traversed the very outer edge of the forest, he had a look of nonchalance on his face. He was enjoying his exploration of this mysterious land in the sky.

Daaaaamn, this place is huge! I wonder what the old man's connection to this place is. Also I wonder why I haven't ran into any of the residents of this island...

Saru said. Suddenly, a lone individual emerged from the thick flora of the forest. He was a large Humandrill, a fighting staff resting on his shoulder and a golden armor adorning his body. With a malicious growl, the Humandrill asked what little ant had wandered into this forest. Saru had stopped, keeping a fair distance.

Finally I ran into someone.

Hi, the name's Saru. What is this place?!

 

[Larsi]

Aolai Campaign #23 @Kaka​

The forbidden forest? Brahma spun to face Sasaki, their voice full of alarm. Are you sure?

He speaks the truth. Vishnu said, stepping back and looking from Shiva to Brahma. I can sense the absence there. The distractions from the Sasaki arriving and the battle left my senses clouded, I never thought to feel for silence. The entire place is like a void in my mind.

Shiva sunk into the stone throne that had belonged to Durga, a worrying look on their face. This does not bode well.

What is in there? Hanuman asked, breaking his silence from not having spoken since Kali's arrival. Now he stepped up before the Guardians, seeking the truth from the three. We were always told the forbidden forest was off limits ever since I was a child. What lies within those woods?

For a moment none of the Guardians spoke. They looked to each other, uncertainty for the first time visible in their faces. Brahma was finally the one who spoke up. The battle between Durga and Svahi took place there, centuries ago. It is where his followers were smote by the hand of Durga, and where Durga themself fell in battle. To this day their bodies stand there, cast into stone as they were on that fateful day.

He must be trying to resurrect them. Vishnu suggested. He will have had plenty of time to figure out a way to undo the powers he now possesses.

He must be stopped! Shiva rose from their seat, preparing to rush across the plaza, but Brahma stopped them with a raised palm.

You cannot go, my friend. He is too dangerous, if you were to fall, as would all of Aolai, literally. Brahma said, then turned to face Vishnu before they spoke up. And you would leave us fully blind, if you were to die. No, my power was what cast him out years ago, I shall have to go now again.

Brahma turned to Sasaki and Hanuman, a sad smile on their face. I shall require your assistance in this battle, my friends.

__________________________________________________​

This place? Shitala repeated the question poised by Saru, glancing at their surroundings. It is none of your concern, at least not any more.

Shitala fell into a combat stance, flipping his staff off his shoulder and extending it outwards to the right, tapping it to the ground. Sliding one leg forward and swiping the staff backwards, the tip of the weapon caught fire. His feet held still he twirled the staff around his body and caught it with his other hand, the flames leaping forth and traveling along the ground in a curve past and around Saru. Having caught the fiery weapon in his other hand the humandrill thrust the pole upwards, and as if mimicking his moves the flames that curled around the two would be combatants grew upwards. Within moments the two of them were enveloped by fires from all sides, as well as above.

Jokaku Enjo!

Flipping his staff around as the cage finished forming, Shitala pushed it toward Saru. Around him waves of fire erupted from the fiery barrier, travelling around them toward their opponent, aiming to burn them alive.

Spoiler

101-119: 4. City Block Level + 4(S) = 8. Island Level

 

[Kaka]

The revelation that Sasaki's young friend, Saru, had stumbled into the Forbidden Forest, was a development that had caused the deities, that is the three Guardians of Aolai, to move with haste. Shiva rose to their feet, rushing across the plaza, intent on going to the Forbidden Forest. However, Brahma stopped them, stating that it was Shiva who kept the lands of Aolai afloat, while Vishnu was the one who gave them all the ability to see and feel. It would be Brahma who would go deal with the situation. Sasaki and Hanuman were asked to come along. Sasaki nodded, tapping the Monkey King's staff on his back.

Zeus popped out of the Monkey King's staff and Sasaki jumped into the air. Zeus flew under him and Sasaki land on the strange sentient cloud. It was time to go.



In the meantime, trouble was already brewing in the Forbidden Forest. Saru, who had been exploring it, ran into Shitala - a large, frightening Humandrill. Saru, aloof in nature and innocent and oblivious to the danger, engaged in normal conversation with Shitala, asking what this place was. However, wasting no time, Shitala dropped into a fighting stance, the tip of his staff hitting the ground. As he dragged the staff across the ground, it exploded with flames. Shitala then commanded the flames with movements and motions of his staff, causing the flames to spread out, forming a fiery barrier. Now trapped inside the barrier with Shitala, Saru frowned, realizing that in front of him was a foe.

Tsch... every time I run into someone here, I get into a fight.

Saru said, widening his feet and bending his knees, dropping into a stance. He crossed his arms in front of himself in the form of a cross armed guard. Activating the abilities of the Baku Baku no Mi, Saru formed multiple Dials that he had eaten, onto the surface of his body. Two Heat Dials morphed onto the surface of his shoulders and one formed onto the surface of his back. On top of that, two Flame Dials morphed onto the surface of his forearms and one onto the surface of his back - underneath the Heat Dial. On top of that, a gray colored armor of stone morphed onto the surface of most of the rest of Saru's body, giving him a stone skin armor that left only his joints free of protection. Those were needed to move properly.

Geared up, Saru saw a number of fire blasts erupt from the wall of flames, moving in on him. Saru rapidly uncrossed his arms and spun 360 degrees. The Heat and Flames dials erupted with heat and fire as Saru spun, combining the elements with his Humandrill Kata to form a spinning barrier of heat and fire.

Fire Monkey Kata...!

Spoiler

DPR: 101-119: 4. City Block Level + S:+4 = 8. Island Level

Shitala's and Saru's flames collided, pushing against one another momentarily before dissipating from equal force. As the flames dissipated, Saru was seen running forward toward Shitala. His arms were once again crossed in front of himself in the form of a cross guard, but this time, they were imbued with black Busou-shoku no Haki. Saru, still geared up, charged, aiming to come slamming into Shitala in the form of a body slam with great force.

Spoiler

101-119: 4. City Block Level + A:+3 + COA: +2 = 9. Small Country Level

 

[Larsi]

Aolai Campaign #24 @Kaka​

As Zeus appeared from within Sasaki's weapon, forming into its tangible cloud form used to carrying its master, Hanuman nodded and stepped back, slamming the butt of his staff against the ground. Exploding from the force of his strike, a ringing sound reverberated throughout the plaza and spreading past the the large tree out across the fields that surrounded them. Within moments several other humandrills appeared, four in total. Falling to their knees before Hanuman and the Guardiands, they each held staffs of their own. Hanuman gestured for them to rise, then spoke briefly. We go now to battle, for the future of Aolai.

Rising, the four of them saluted, both to their superior, but also to the Guardians. Brahma only nodded, then swept their hand in an arc towards each of the five. Winds surged forth and enveloped them, lifting them off the ground. Sasaki had been left untouched, as he had Zeus to carry him, leaving him free to move independently. Then, with movements that belied their size, Brahma threw themself upwards as an even greater force of wind gathered beneath their feet. Let us go.

With that, the odd group soared off, likely followed by Sasaki, moving at great speeds across the sky. Brahma led the charge, trailed by the five humandrills. Although they were moving as fast as they could, Aolai was large, and it would take them several minutes before reaching the Forbidden Forest. Precious time, in which Saru was left alone against his foe.

Three turns until the group reaches the Forbidden Forest
__________________________________________________​

Shitala was not surprised to see his foe repel the first attack, though he was curious to see him expel flames from his own body, as if he had fiery pores spread throughout. His vision obscured, Shitala reached out with his observation haki, which was not obscured to him due to his gift from Svahi. To his surprise felt his foe charging straight towards him, as if in a blind rush. Curious, Shitala decided to test whatever this was, instead of leaping aside from the attack.

Taking advantage of the vision being obscured, and his opponents observation haki rendered useless, Shitala whipped his staff backwards. Pointed directly away from Saru, the tip ignited ones more, but even more fierce than before. Feeling the force of the flames playing in his hands, Shitala waited until he sensed his foe was nearly upon him. As he did, the wooden weapon darkened, as if turned to coal, yet it was his armament imbuing it all throughout, his hands darkened as well.

As Saru entered striking range, Shitala made his move. A singular thrust forward, aimed at where he could not see, but knew the other humandrill's torso was. Powered by the flames, the sharp point of the staff would seek to dive deep within the chest, escaping on the other side. The force was greater than that of his foe, easily able to break through, although some force was lost in the process.

Spoiler

101-119: 4. City Block Level + 5(S+) +2(haki) = 11. Small Continent Level
Attack is 2 DPR higher: Overwhelms the weaker attack but loses 3~DPR
8. Island Level

 

[Kaka]

Hanuman, his 4 disciples, all led by one of the great Guardians, and followed by Sasaki and Zeus, shot across the sky like a shooting star in the night sky. In the meantime, Saru, unaware of the potential reinforcements, fought.

The whirling infernal flames surrounded Saru, pushing outward against the enclosing flames. As the two fiery attacks were starting to subside, Saru charged forward through the flames. (Above I wrote ''as the flames dissipated'', so Saru wasn't charging blindly, but I'll go with your version) His arms were crossed in front of him in the form of a cross guard, reinforced by the stone armor and black Busou-shoku no Haki. The silhouette of Shitala appeared through the dissipating flames as the two were in striking distance of one another. Shitala's staff came forward, colliding with Saru's cross armed guard.

Hng...!

?!

After a passing moment, Saru instinctively realized that he would be overwhelmed. He slid his arms off of the attack to prevent the attack from slashing through his arms completely, and Shitala's staff collided with Saru's abdomen.

He was sent flying backward, rolling a number of times, bouncing off of the ground a couple of times, and then eventually skidding to a stop. Saru coughed up some blood, but he forced himself up into a standing position once more. Shards of diamond were falling off of Saru's abdomen, the stone armor replaced in the last moment with a much tougher diamond one.

Tsch... that was stupid of me. I shouldn't have charged at him blindly without even knowing his strength...

Spoiler

Shitala's remaining DPR: 8. Island Level

Saru's Durability: 101-119: 6. City Level + COA: +2 = 8. Island Level

DPR equal to durability: normal damage -> but due to the diamond armor, probably less

With the Heat and Flame dials still morphed onto the surface on his body, the stone armor still covering most of the rest of his body, and a somewhat cracking diamond armor covering his abdomen, Saru initiated a counterattack. He elevated his right arm. From his right forearm, three small cannon barrels formed, each one installed with a Dial. Two of the barrels hosted a Water Dial each. The central barrel hosted an Impact Dial. With a grin on his face and a makeshift Trio Cannon, Saru spoke.

Alright ya monkey, time to get washed!

Saru said. Suddenly, the three Dials activated. The two Water Dials unleashed a large amount of water, while the Impact Dial launched the body of water forward, resulting in a powerful Water Cannon. Busou-shoku no Haki tempered the water, giving it form and great concussive force.

Spoiler

81-100: 3. Large Building Level + S:+4 + COA: +2 = 9. Small Country Level

 

[Larsi]

Aolai Campaign #25 @Kaka
Two turns until the group reaches the Forbidden Forest​

Shitala felt his attack connect, but it did not feel as if he had struck flesh. Instead if felt as if he had struck the hardest stone, and it even sent a shock up through his staff and into his arms. It was minimal due to his haki however, but still it was a surprising feeling. Settling back, he watched as Saru was sent flying backwards, cracked diamond apparent on his chest. What a strange creature, it had to be some sort of devil fruit, but what he didn't know.

What surprised him more than the repelling of his strike however was the water that his foe summoned from seemingly nowhere, immediately shooting it forward to wash over Shitala. Not wishing to deal with wetness right now, he used the power gifted to him by Svahi, releasing it in a wide burst. As a small sun, the water torrent half way towards him, Shitala emitted great amounts of light that blinded any that looked at him or any area near him.

Just before the water would have reached him, it was possible that Saru might have heard a bursting sound, though his own attack would likely have drowned out the sound. It was the sound of Shitala propelling himself upwards over the onslaught of water, leaping high into the air but still within the glow of light, only emerging a moment later. Both eyes and haki blind, it was very unlikely that Saru would know what was happening, before a shadowy figure fell down towards him.

Shitala held his staff behind, then swung forward in an arc, aiming to bring his darkened staff down onto Saru's head or shoulder, hoping to take advantage of his blindness.

Spoiler

101-119: 4. City Block Level + 4(S) +2(haki) = 10. Large Country Level

 

[Kaka]

Saru unleashed the large water cannon. The cascading, swirling waters would close the distance to Shitala in a matter of seconds, achieving great speed due to the powerful impact of the Impact Dial. The water surged with enough force to rip apart the ground that it travelled over - but the might of the attack was ineffective, if it did not connect. Suddenly and out of nowhere, a bright flash of light emanated from Shitala, almost as if a number of highly potent flash grenades went off all at once. On instinct, Saru closed his eyes. His aim also stumbled due to the surprise factor, and the water cannon missed everything, whether Shitala did jump out of the way or not. The Water Cannon would mow down a number of trees, but no progress was made in terms of winning the fight.

God damn it this shithead loves to attack when I can't see...!

Saru said annoyingly, also dreading the fact that he's been trying to use his Kenbun-shoku no Haki this whole time, but to no avail. Knowing that he could be attacked from any direction at any time, Saru knew he had to act quickly to protect himself. Once again he spun around rapidly, repeating his defensive maneuver from earlier. The Heat and Flames dials erupted with heat and fire as Saru spun, combining the elements with his Humandrill Kata to form a spinning barrier of heat and fire.

Fire Monkey Kata...!

... and then...!

However, this time, Saru added another aspect to his attack. As the spinning barrier of heat and fire erupted, a Breath Dial surfaced on the palm of Saru's left hand as well. The Breath Dial shot out a spinning line of flammable gas. Shitala, who descended, had his strike interrupted by the spinning vortex of fire. By the time Shitala collided with the fire, the flammable gas got mixed into it as well, and an outward explosion erupted, blowing everything away from Saru.

Fire Monkey Kata: Big Bang!

Spoiler

101-119: 4. City Block Level + S:+4 + COA: +2 = 10. Large Country Level

 

[Larsi]

Aolai Campaign #26 @Kaka
One turn until the group reaches the Forbidden Forest​

Shitala descended upon Saru, his staff bringing down with great force and intent, seeking do take out this intruder before he dared interrupt the ritual within the forest. Alas, though he had remained unseen his foe had still prepared counter measures, expelling a wide blast of fire that quickly expanded outwards like a dome. Although his strike was powerful, the attack from his foe proved its equal, halting his descent. The fires were pushed aside by his strike, slowing him so that he fell to the ground even before the ash settled around him, a few meters away from Saru.

Immediately Shitala crouched, falling into a sort of a dance, staff held at the base and pointed outwards. The ash seemed to gather around him as he spun quickly, the hot air drawing inwards. The flames that he had slipped through, unleashed by Saru threatened to dissipate, but just before they did, the remnants from the cage seemed to retract, moving inwards. Saru may be able to harness fire, but Shitala bent flames to his will.

Surging inwards, the flames that had encompassed the two combatants from the beginning merged with the flames set loose by Saru just before they were to fizzle out. Instead of cancelling each other out, the flames fed on one another, increasing in intensity and speed as it closed in. Shitala finished his quick spin, embers gathering around his weapon before stabbing his weapon forward to Saru, as if he commanded the fires to strike him down.

Behind Shitala a small opening was left from where he had entered and diverted the flames, and it lined up with where the water torrent had burst free only moments ago. And so it was that the flames passed mere inches from his skin, leaving him unharmed. The embers at the tip of his staff leapt out to close the hole as it passed, fully sealing the hole and sending his spirit(haki) throughout the rapidly shrinking dome of fire.

Spoiler

101-119: 4. City Block Level + 4(S) +2(haki) = 10. Large Country Level

The moment the fires passed him, Shitala fell into a more complex kata, only his eyes focused on his foe should he escape. Fire burst from each tip, moving from red, to orange to white with each step and swing. Each move was quick and precise.

 

[Kaka]

Saru spun around, utilizing his Dials kata, as well as the Heat, Flames and Breath dials to create a highly volatile spinning barrier of fire. As Shitala clashed with the tornado of fire, the flammable gas mixed with the flames, erupting in a powerful, outward explosion. Shitala was pushed away, landing a distance away from Saru, back on the ground. By this point, Saru opened his eyes slightly, closing and opening his eyes a number of times, trying to get his vision back. The corners of his eyes were tearing up, and his vision was blurring and flashing. But, slowly slowly, it was getting back to him.

Unfortunately for Saru, Shitala was not deterred by the massive explosion, and he was already concocting a follow up attack. Motioning with his body and fighting staff, Shitala took command of the fire currents, ash and smoke.

Shi-!

Saru saw the flames closing in from all directions, but his vision was still too blurry to be able to find an opening. He crossed his arms in front of him in a cross guard. His skin suddenly darkened, but it was not Busou-shoku no Haki. Instead, Saru morphed Titanium onto the surface of his skin - a powerful, durable element with a high resistance to heat and fire, which Saru held inside his strange body. The titanium then suddenly darkened further into a completely pitch black color - Busou-shoku no Haki now tempered it. With a reinforced armor of titanium now covering his whole body, Saru took the attack head on.

The fire engulfed him, and the strong currents of the torrential fires blew Saru away. His body came colliding through five trees, before slamming into one final tree trunk and sliding down the length of it into a sitting position - with his back up against the tree trunk. Steam and smoke was coming off of his body, and it was clear that Saru had taken significant damage. Titanium, Busou-shoku no Haki, as well as the Dials' abilities to absorb both heat and flames, it was still not enough to leave Saru unfazed. Saru opened his eyes again, by this point his vision finally returning to him. However, it was too late.

Saru had taken damage, and he was now at a disadvantage, even with his vision returned to him. A Dial morphed onto Saru's forehead - a Flash Dial. This one would absorb the flash of light, if Shitala tried that trick again, hopefully protecting Saru's eyes.

He struggled back up into a standing position, breathing heavily.

Come get me ya stupid monkey... and don't forget to flash my eyes again, you bitch.

Saru said, baiting the monkey man into an attack.

 

[Larsi]

Aolai Campaign #27 @Kaka
The group reaches the Forbidden Forest at the end of this post​

Shitala moved through his kata, step by step, swing by swing and twist by twist. For each movement, both tips of his staff glowing pure white. The air around each ends warped and drew inwards due to the speed that the small points of intense fire burned through oxygen at a rapid pace. His eyes drifted from Saru for a moment to see several specks approaching in the distance at high speeds. Smiling, Shitala turned back towards Saru, knowing that they were too late.

Before him, Saru was sent flying from the final implosion of flames crashing into him. His kata finished and weapon ready, Shitala charged after his foe, right arm pulling back as he reached close to him. Silence seemed to fall on the forest for a split second, even as the trees still fell towards the ground. Time seemed to slow as Shitala stood just before Saru, preparing his lunge.

With a thrust of his arm Shitala stabbed his staff one white hot point aimed forward at his foe's chest. The opposite end exploded briefly, launching the staff forward like a rocket. His grip loosened, using his hand to only guide the attack forward. Even if he himself was struck before the weapon made impact, the weapon would still continue forward to impale the young humandrill.

Spoiler

101-119: 4. City Block Level + 5(S+) + 2(haki) = 11. Small Continent Level

 

[Kaka]

Time slowed down both for Saru and for Shitala - the former because of the peril that he was facing, and the latter because of the opportunity at hand, to defeat the ''intruder''. Step by step, Shitala approached Saru, who was in a hunched over sitting position, his back against a tree trunk. Before long, Shitala was upon Saru, who was getting back up, struggling and rising up into a standing position. Glaring at Shitala, Saru grinned, his unusually spiky teeth showing. Shitala noticed a glint of light in the distance, fast approaching. But, it would not make it here in time. Saru, who was oblivious to the incoming reinforcements, had to hold out on his own.

Time unraveled back to its normal speed and Shitala initiated his attack. However, Saru had a surprise waiting for him. The Dials that he had morphed onto the surface of his body had been exchanged - Shitala oblivious to the slight differences in the Dials, as he was not familiar with these shell like weapons. What Saru had now were not one or two, but three Lightning Dials. As Shitala initiated his attack, Saru threw his hands forward and from his hands, a massive surge of electricity sprang forward, engulfing Shitala at point blank range. Saru aimed to paralyze Shitala, as well as compromise, if nothing else, the precision of his attack, due to the sudden paralysis and musle lock, as well as nerve disarray. At the same time, Saru stepped somewhat to the side, and Shitala's fighting staff pierced the very left edge of Saru's abdomen.

Saru coughed up some blood, but that was the last that was seen of him.

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning shot past Shitala and Saru, blitzing inbetween them. With the bolt of lightning, Saru was gone from in front of Shitala's eyes. A few moments later, a voice came, a good fifteen or so meters off to Shitala's side. If he turned toward the voice, Shitala would see Sasaki standing there, with the unconscious Saru thrown over his shoulder.

Yare yare... what is this... do we have an invasion on our hands?

Sasaki said, walking off toward a tree. He propped the unconscious Saru up against a tree trunk, before turning around and facing toward Shitala. With Zeus floating right next to Sasaki, the latter spoke.

You guys might be thinking ''How lucky... this Sasaki guy led us straight to Aolai''...

But all I can think of is ''These guys chose a bad day to invade Aolai, right after I've finally returned''.

Get your boss over here, you little underling.

 

[Larsi]

Aolai Campaign #28 @Kaka​

Shitala struck out and was immediately faced with a counterattack. Too close to dodge, all he could do was unleash his haki in a burst of flash. His body turned black, strengthening his defenses. Yet it was not enough to escape unscathed. Stumbling backwards, he was struggling to move normally, his body numb all over. Gritting his teeth, he fell into an unsteady pose, gripping his staff with both hands. Turning his head towards Sasaki, Shitala moved his legs around to get feeling back as the old Protector spoke confidently.

A loud crash announced the arrival of Brahma, Hanuman and the four other humandrills. Drawing a deep breath and closing his eyes momentarily, Shitala felt a burst of energy from within the forest, from where he had come from minutes before. Brahma meanwhile strode across the grassy field towards the trees where Shitala, Sasaki and Saru were located, trailed by Hanuman and the others. The Guardian's voice boomed, washing over them like a storm. Shitala, what is the meaning of this?

Shitala, near to regain his movements fully smiled, stealing a look at both Sasaki and Brahma. Spinning his staff around once, it ignited once more. Leaping backwards, away from Sasaki, he swung his weapon horizontally. From the tip of the staff flames leapt, creating a wall of flames forming a large half circle, with Sasaki on one side, Brahma on the other, Shitala in the middle. Sorry, but Svahi calls to me. I must go.

With that Shitala turned, the wall momentarily blocking the others from easy access. Spreading quickly from tree to tree. Very soon the fire would spread throughout the entire forest. Shitala would disappear behind the thick trees, out of sight. Their observation haki clouded, it would not be locate Shitala immediately, but he was headed directly towards the glow deep withing the forest itself.

 

[Kaka]

Sasaki arrived first, bringing the unconscious Saru to safety. Brahma and the rest arrived moments later, the large Guardian striding forward toward where Shitala and Sasaki were. The Guardian roared with an inquiry, his voice so large and booming that it swept over an area anytime he spoke. Shitala, whose lingering paralysis was quickly fading, smiled, not answering any of the questions at hand. Instead, his fighting staff ignited with flames once again, and Shitala intended to run. Svahi was calling him. Was Svahi here, in Aolai, as well? Sasaki grit his teeth, annoyed by the constant game of tag at play. As Shitala swung his staff, Sasaki pointed the palm of his right hand up toward the sky. A large cluster of lightning formed up in the sky, and Sasaki looked over toward Zeus, nodding. As the barrier of fire erupted, a powerful beam of lightning shot down from the sky, aiming to engulf Shitala. Due to the barrier of flames in the way, Sasaki didn't have clear visuals of Shitala, but this blast of lightning was large enough to engulf the whole area, so Sasaki did not need pinpoint precision.

El Thor...

Spoiler

DPR: 120: 5. Town Level + A:+3 + COA: +2 = 10. Large Country Level

If the El Thor managed to engulf Shitala, the group would make a valuable stride toward getting a captive. However, Sasaki did not have great confidence in his success. Instead, the El Thor was used as a diversion tactic as well. Zeus would use the lightning as a cover and chase after the escaping Shitala. As a nigh unharmable cloud of lightning, Zeus would have been able to move both through the lightning blast and the fire barrier unharmed and unhindered, and he would chase after Shitala. In doing so, Zeus would be able to give Sasaki directions to follow.

 

[Larsi]

Aolai Campaign #29 @Kaka​

Already moving as the wall of fire erupted between him and his interlopers, Shitala only had to dash sideways faster to escape the wrath of lightning as it tore into the ground he had been standing on a split second before. Landing among the leaves and grass as the former swirled in the air and the latter flattened from the force, the humandrill grinned at the attempt to take him out before rising to his full height and moving back amongst the trees. Behind him he sensed the creation known as Zeus moving quietly and subtly after him, but didn't stop to deter its tracking.

Back near the edge of the forest the immediate wall of flames started to divert, faltering its intensity as it instead spread to the nearby trees. Brahma stepped forward, raising their hands forwards and then pulling them back. From the heavens a great force of air would descend, bearing down on the trees then blowing past the Guardian and its group. The intensity of the wind was so great that it would for a moment suffocate anything in its path. Although it was too short for any of the living being present to present any danger, the flames were snuffed out, leaving only embers. Broken branches and blackened ground and wood laid before the Guardian.

We must make haste. Brahma said as the winds dispersed around their body, striding forward with its body that rivaled that of the trees that laid before it. With the Guardians every step the ground shook, bearing with it the will and force of Aolai. Svahi cannot be left to his- to their own devices.

__________________________________________________​

Soon after Shitala emerged into the clearing at the center of the forest he had left not long ago. Before him, the light was nearly unbearable to look at. A figure stood at the center, bright light flowing outwards into the six that were arrayed around it. However, even more of the energy was directed into the large statue beyond, leaning forward seemingly in defeat. Shitala absently sensed the cloud approaching at a distance, falling to his knees and speaking quietly so it would not hear. I delayed them as much as I could.

I believe it was enough.

 

[Kaka]

The mighty El Thor descended from the heavens, engulfing the area in a powerful lightning bolt. When Sasaki's attack subsided, Brahma summoned a mighty gale, snuffing out the flames. All that was left were embers, broken branches and trees, and a soot that covered and colored the ground black. Shitala was gone, as was Zeus. Brahma strode forward and the rest, including Sasaki, were fast behind. The group would traverse the forest for a short minute or so, until suddenly, the skies in the distance darkened. Up above the forest, Zeus grew into a large, mighty, black stormcloud, brimming and crackling with lightning.

He made himself large and obvious so that Sasaki and the rest could see him and get to him. After all... Zeus had Shitala's location in his sights. He was right above them.

Thought you'd escape huh?!

Zeus shouted, his voice in this large form booming. From his body, Zeus unleashed a barrage of lightning bolts, engulfing the area below.

Spoiler

8. Island Level