A Haunting in Venice (Event Mission Part 2)

Away from the Jashin Temple, Katsuragi was seen saunter about in a place full of wild life, adventure, and big game. That's right, Katsuragi was in none other than Tanzaku Town, aka Quarter Town. The gambling capital of the world! Oh yes, and it was indeed very full of life this fine evening. Despite the impending doom of the open void, spreading through the lands, People still needed to get their fix. Hell, if folks were going to die today, there was no way they were going to do so sober. The drinks were topped off, the chips were set, the lights were bright, and honey pots were sweet and ready for the taking.

Under the open rift, teeming with chaotic energies to which the world had never seen before, the newly constructed, KenDen Casino was active. Inside it, Katsuragi was seen trying his luck at a craps table. he bangs at the edge of the table, despite the multiple warnings from the security Guards. He could could receive so much warnings, even with his affiliation with the Hashimoto Family, before finally getting the tap on the shoulder.

"Dammit! Nooo! Watch out Man! Can't you see! the dealer is killing me!", but it was too late! He was disturbing the peace, and to many people had had it up to here with his shit. He needed to be dealt with immediately. He was forced from the table and asked to leave. He didn't bother cashing out, it was too embarrassing to cash out 10 ryo worth of chips. Guess it would be tip for the dealer, to which he so did not deserve in Katsuragi's opinion. The dealer deserved to eat shit and die like all the other leeches that ran this casino. He was never coming back here, at least for another week or so. He needed to get more money first.

Looming above, the Rift suddenly grew active. Ethereal Flares from the rift sprung from its birth and made their way towards the casino. Katsuragi, making a turn around the corner, was met with a bright light from the flare.

"Ugh! Light Bright!", he reaches into his pocket within his Jacket and pulls out throws on a pair of black shades with haste.

The Flare, now over and done, Katsuragi scans his new surroundings. A Sight to behold, a world unseen! He gasps abruptly at the seemingly endless field, he couldn't make sense of it all. The floating structures, the missing craps tables, the endlessness. It was too much for him to process all at once. Where did he go? What did he do? How would get home, where will he GO!?

He groans at the doom he now resides in "Uuuuurrraaahhhhrree!!", he grunts harshly while collapsing down to his knees..., his hood covering his sorrows and temporarily shielding him from the unknown lands. But it was his reality, he had to face it. He had try, he had to make it back home! After a few sniffles, he gathers himself. He says a few prayers to the almighty Jashin, seeking his infinite wisdom in this ever dear moment of crisis.

With his cry fro help, now stuck in a queue for his lord Jashin to get to at a later date, he reaches into his outer jacket pockets with both hands. He fetches a lighter and a preroll. His stress levels were too high, he needed to tone it down. After he lights the roll, which was now in his mouth, his hoodie falls backwards. He feels a slight tickle going down his neck, the back of it to. A slight breeze was felt from his right, blowing out the light from his zippo lighter.

"Oh shit, thanks homie!"

"Sisssss!!", the snakes altogether acknowledge his gratitude, in one loud union. Katsuragi jolts back, he snakes come forth from his peripherals. Coiling about their green and black scales catching the light as they make their grand reveal. His hair now replaced with a full set of snakes. The living locks scan their new host, in unison. It was a wave of lively reptilian hair, getting a fix on their new maker. "Noooo!", he yelled, while taping the front of his forehead. "My Hairline! it's gone!", he runs throughout the fields in panic mode, searching for answers he had yet formed questions for.

Katsuragi's attire consisted of a Yakuta black leather jacket, which underneath he wears a Black and blue stripped hoodie flannel jacket. To add, underneath the flannel was a plain white shirt. His belt is black leather, designer's choice, with an overlapping Medusa emblem as a buckle. The pair of pants he wore is a fresh pair of black jeans with ankle zippers located on the lower inside section of the pants. His boots on his feet also being solid black of a leather material with an emblem labeled "LV", it's made of metal stitched to the tongue of the boots. His arms torso and hands bore a mural of mostly assorted prison tattoos; all black ink in color. He himself stood at a height of 6'2 feet with a thin frame. His tools and such were all assorted evenly along his attire, given no hint to their whereabouts yet allowed him easy access with a little bit of technique.

He was now seen roaming about the endless field, hoping to strike out at luck. Perhaps someone else was here? He then ran into a bright blue, grounded bird with all terrain four wheel drive capabilities? Lucky his thick black shades remained on his face, shielding his newly acquired serpent eyes from the rest of the world. He drops his jaw at the sight of the thing as he sat on the floor, the many snakes did too as they marveled at the sight of the duck. "Oh my god, what the fuck? It's a duck!", he gets up from the ground, and tries to communicate after padding himself down. The snakes hone in on the duck, altogether. Their gaze striking like a basilisk.

"Yo... whats up Dock. You got any idea what these floating obelisks are doing here? Oh and uh, how I can get back home to Tanzaku Town?", he stands idle like his present company  while waiting for a response.
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TWC/ 1046

Falling asleep in Konohagakure was already unpleasant but the severity of the situation arose quickly from day to day. She wanted to move onward and forward and find her sister but the nightmares persisted, they continued, and they remained. She felt her stitching grow irritable that night and her skin felt coarse. She developed a wonderful sense of stillness and found a stick holding her up. She woke up on a cross that was hung in a field, far beyond the outskirts of the village she was sleeping in. The fear and terror remained from rest as she startled herself awake on that cross. A straw hat was on her head, a pair of worn blue denim overalls plainly dressed, and a stiffed red and white plaid shirt underneath it. Pulling herself off with some difficulty, Kurai realized she was once more within the Land of Nightmares except this time she was unaware of where she was. This was not home, this was not Konohagakure, nor was it the little town filled with liars, gamblers, and thieves within the Land of Fire that she had called temporary housing for the longest time.

With an ache in her chest, she knew she was in need of hearts, this much had not changed from one space to the next as she noticed from her stitching, hay was pushing out. Her threads were replaced with hay and her skin was that of leather. It was as if the world itself was showing she was artificially made without a heart, though she could still feel it beat. It was weak, it was not like before. She had much she needed to learn about and grow with but for now, it was time to find the needle in the field, there had to be others around. While wandering for a while, she could tell the hay left a small trail and did her best to stitch herself up. Her lips were sealed and her limbs could fold but that did not deter the young Tau from proceeding onward.

Eventually, a large duck could be seen on the horizon, there was much to determine from it. It was unique and stood above the grass as she remained at her height of 6 foot 3, or 190.5 centimeters, as she walked before approaching the duck finding what appeared to be a snake-haired man from a biker gang up Route 66 of a far distant land. Walking out of what looked like a cornfield themselves, Kurai looked between the two and gave a scarecrow shrug at the duo. Attempting to speak let out more hay as the face of the scarecrow contorted into frustration. As quiet as she was normally, not speaking was an issue. Thankfully her arrows and tools were on her still and thus with a swift motion, and an arrowhead to cut, she undid some of the stitching on her face as she spat out hay into the air before its slow descent.

"Land of Dreams? More like Land of Nightmares..." She spoke, her voice sounding as if she had choked on hay, "I think we need to find whoever is stirring trouble." She proposed to the group as she felt her weak heartbeat more, it was a stirring amount of problems becoming a scarecrow but now there was a degree in this nightmare that she only wished for a heart. It was a fickle situation to begin but hopefully, the massive duck and medusa-man would be able to appease the more pressing of the issues which was figuring out where to go from here.

WC: 600, TWC: 600 | TMWC: 2,162 / 17,500 (600 / 4,375 Quarter Portion)

At last a person even if it was a rather tall one, with prison tattoos all over his hands, and dressed as an emo, even more impressive the tangle of snakes atop his head. How he knew the duck was a doc was a mystery, but that was a question for later they had to figure out what the duck was happening and get out of their preduckiment. "You got here from Tanzaku town? I got here from Kirigakure. It seems these reports on the rifts spreading were accurate. The fact they are this expansive is terrifying." He would pause a moment to ponder the obelisks he was not quite sure what they were, just that some needed to be viewed to understand the language of this world. "If you touch them they show you a nightmare and let you read, I do not know much more than that. I just arrived myself and touched the glowing green floating objects out of curiosity."

The approaching scarecrow was quite alarming as it pulled out a blade. Had the thing not paused in front of them, before drawing the weapon Akabayashi would have assumed it was an enemy. But it cut its own mouth open and coughed out a hayball, before making what the kage assumed was an attempt at a joke. The strawperson then gave a suggestion they find the one creating these nightmares. Which he could only agree as much as his rubber vehicular body amused him he would not like the change to be permanent. He however had to ask a question to see if this breach in reality was more expansive than his borders and that of the land of fire. "From where did you get trapped in this nightmare world?"

Out of thin air another strange one appeared a sentient sword which spawned in the dimension and shouted what the duck. It seemed to know the Medusa man, how was quite mysterious, but then again of all of them he was the most human featured. "Well since we have one name, I suppose introductions are useful at this point. I am Akabayashi Terumi." As he said this he realized he was unable to see the world through the eyes of his doll. The ducks eyes became purple with six rings as the doctor reestablished his connection with his path. The path would go find his bodyguard to watch over the doctor until he woke up. Besides now he could assess how many in his village were under the effects of this nightmare.

The path would stand and run first toward Yoshinori then to his office to read the reports. Once, done he would give the others the updates on any information he had gathered. He would of course interact with them as normal while the path did its thing. Experiencing two things and having multiple conversations at once had become simple. When the clone did its job he would give them the update. "I have learned that many people within my village have entered a sort of coma they cannot wake from. Including myself, I assume you are all in a similar state. My guess is some people asleep were pulled here and took on atypical forms and these floating green objects are nightmares fueling this world. Perhaps, we are dreamers and that is why we can move. The nightmares are trapped and unable to move. When I first got here I had to mold my form, perhaps those stuck could not and that explains why even though half the world is hostage there are so few of us able to speak and move." It was just his running theory, but it was entirely unproveable in his condition and with no lab.

A booming voice from the sky would yell at them next. There was no one in the sky just a furious echoing voice. "How can you be both asleep and awake? This doesn't make sense, lets kill them before they wake others." It seemed the voice had power in this realm as hordes of monsters seemed to be running at the group based on the voices call. Well Akabayashi seemed to be one of the causes behind this attack, so he would not shy away from the approaching enemies. With a few wing seals he was staring down the hoarde with his laser ready to fire. He would walk in front of the others and fire the beam wiping out any who dared charge. There were many more than he had originally seen however as dust was kicked up in all directions around them beasts in different forms were on the prowl werewolves, vampires, Frankenstein's monsters. They seemed to be moving in waves to attack the group perhaps because they had taken forms. Akabayashi had the front he would have to rely on the others to take their own directions and push forward.

Making more wing seals the ducktor would create a wooden golem and throw the massive arms on its back at the approaching monsters, crushing many of them. It fired lasers made of lightning from its heads, and stomped the ground crushing many monsters underfoot. It swiped with its arms knocking the creatures away, but many had managed to climb the titan. The doctor would use his black threads to deal with ones that had gotten close. The strings forcing themselves out of his rubber body. It seemed jutsu unique to his body worked like the Rinnegan and his wood jutsu, so it just seemed his appearance changed not his biology. As more and more monsters were killed he began to notice the pair of eyes simply watching them. He tried to focus on them, but whenever he tried to get a better look the eyes moved to the corner of his vision. It seemed the thing was taking form with each monster killed slowly taking on a humanoid shape. When the wave was cleared by everyone it was now clear it was a couple people, but who were they it was too far off, but it seemed these monsters deaths were feeding whatever rhey were.

The duck would wheel itself back to the group fighting any more monsters that popped up between them. "I think our main problem will be whatever those are." He would point to the figures forming in the distance. It seems like the more we defeat the more detail those things get. I think destroying them before we run out of stamina will be for the best."[/b] As he assumed the nightmare would not just let you kill its soldiers the world would defend them. It manifested another wave of monsters these ones seemingly tougher and more vicious than the last. As they were bigger and faster the wave was upon them before they could even strategize properly. Akabayashi began by splitting himself, his masked beasts exiting and using jutsu to barbeque, drown, electrify, and cut the enemies. They were incredibly resilient being cut on their bodies had little effect the mask concealed the only major organ on them. The main body of Akabayashi stood by and fired wood dragons and created wooden totem poles with the heads of dogs which would extend and chomp at any enemy approaching them. It would not be long before they had advanced far enough to see the things that had been forming. He could not recgnize three of the figures however he could see that one of them was him. He could only assume that the other three were the Medusa man, the scarecrow, and the enchanted sword. It seemed that they weren't quite complete though as they could not move, but it seemed only a matter of time before they were ready to go.

With a few more of the monsters killed the figures began to twitch and few more they were moving and they were moving toward the group killing off their friends. They moved slowly probably to drain as much energy from the group as possible before they had to fight their clones. It was a smart tactic, one worthy of praise if it hadn't been their enemy using it to try and kill them. Perhaps it would be better to not have mirror matches. "Do any of you use weapons or taijutsu? It would be better to engage the one with red hair in close combat as he is likely unable to teleport. I cannot at the moment, so it is likely best to assume my clone can not either. Just watch out for the black orbs it can create, they will disolve anything they touch. Any advice on whichever of your clones I am going to face?" He hoped one of them could take him down as awkward as that thinking was. It was for their collective benefit he had to be taken down. So, Akabayashi was quite quick to sell himself out. Perhaps the others were also as forthcoming.

WC: 1504
TWC: 2020/4375

The Medusa saunters over to the floating green crystal as the blue duck explained what was going on. What world of madness, it was as if he was tripping massive bear balls. The glowing figure hummed with an ominous glow, yet Katsuragi felt the need to tap into its power for reasons known only to him. his right hand slowly rose to his shades, but were quickly swatted away from one of his lovely serpent care takers. He feels the edge of one of its fangs, yet no poison was injected lucky. They knew that killing its host would doom them to a lonely immobile fate. Such annoying sneaky things they were. Always biting and hissing with no warning, or delay. He groans loudly only to swing back towards the blue talking duck. The moment was over. Not like he was missing much. This whole thing was a nightmare, he could have been gambling back at the KenDen Casino, or even the world renowned Shogun Palace, but noooo. However, the two were accompanied by yet another challenger. Straight from the yellow brick road, far far away from home, the scarecrow appears!

He stares blankly at the approaching figure, his shades completely covering half his facial expression, but his snakes did most of the work. Who was this thing, why was it here!? was the being the old great and powerful wizard? Come to vanquish Medusa and the duck? As it drew a sharp object, the medusa tensed. But the weapon wasn't for him, his panic mode being a product of him being on the receiving end of a lot of shivs. He scarecrow then cuts itself, carving its mouth up like some jack o lantern. "UUUggh!", he yelped, it was as if he could feel the pain for it. 'The fuck is goin on here?', he thought to himself. Nevertheless, the being proved intelligent, speaking the words to which he knew! PAYBACK time.

They all stared with laser focus eyes at the walking, talking, living haystack as it rolled over their way. Their deadpan expression seeming had no end, till the suggestion of finding out who was behind this was given. Now that as something he could get along with, the snakes perk up at the thought. The union between man and snake were one in thought of this idea. "Mhmm! Now that's what we need to do!", he steps back and slams his right fist into the palm of his other hand. "We gotta find out who did this to us, jack em up! Quarter Town Style!", he reaches into the side of his right boot and pulls out an OTF switch blade. With a push of the lever, the blade ejects out with force.

SNIKT!!!

The sound rings within the area with a somewhat soothing tone... well for him at least. he's the one with the knife. Which proved to be false, the final visitor had finally arrived. One that would bring a sharp memory to light once more.

The memory was..., obscured. He knew not how the floating shiv knew his name. When have they met he wondered? Perhaps he was a bounty hunter, come to collect but failed in the process? Or perhaps, an old cellmate? So many possibilities, just who was this thing? The thought kept burrowing in, trying to force the MaDKat to think harder! It's voice was familiar, that much was certain.

"Yeh...", he said nonchalantly, leering over towards the floating the sword. Katsuragi just didn't like meeting folks who knew him behind mysterious pretenses. That's how people get caught, it be your own people sometimes too. He knew this all too well.

The plot then began to thicken, the report given by the aqua duck revealed some concerning things. All the more reason to wrap  this little episode up to get back home. The thought of his body, laying unconscious within the casino, within the reputable Tanzaku Town, only added more to the nightmare he was currently living. "Oh man..., I am soo gonna get robbed. Maaan I need to get back...", he looks back at the floating crystals. His memory returning with a key detail that may be of use. "Wait you may be right! When I was at the crap tables, the dice they used that night were different. They glowed green just like them! Maybe they're a connection. Either that, or I was hot! CLACK CLACK CLACK!", he made gestures of rolling dice with his free hand. His other remained tight with his switchblade. He may have been lying about the winning, but rest assure, Katsuragi would make sure that the house wouldn't be winning tonight.

The dinner bell finally rung, the deadly voice from above called out to it's children. Katsuragi, vexed to hell, looked down to the ground. He could feel the ground shake beneath them. Earthquake, he wondered? Great, just what he needed. The blue duck took front, Katsuragi now behind the duck as he surveyed the field. They were surrounded! Waves upon waves of great folklore beasts were charging towards the group. They saw meat, and were ready to feast upon the outsiders. A prime tough duck ready to be roasted as a entree, using the scarecrow as tinder! But Katsuragi wasn't safe either, as he would be first up as some sort of appetizer snake soup. The floating sword to be passed around and used as a toothpick. Not today!

Katsuragi took the right flank, he stares down the hunger beasts. "Time to go ta...". he looks off to his left to see the giant wooden statue. Of course he was at a safe distance, but never saw such a construct. Whoever this duck was, it possessed some strange jutsu. It wasn't on the flimsy side either, it worked. Hordes of beasts were being wiped out. He glances back and forth between the giant rocking golem and his little toothpick of a shiv. His mood lessen, but only slightly due to envy. "I gotta get me one of those!", he said as he retracted his switchblade and placed it back into his boot. He looks onward towards his side, narrowing his eyes. He drags his right leg behind him, only to shift his weight back on it. His left leg lifted off the ground and curled up almost to his chest as he connects both his now free hands behind his back. His chakra surged, now gathering in his right balled up fist. He then lurches forward after slinging his right fist forward. Now on his left leg, releasing a wave of pressurized air 20 meters in diameter towards the horde. The results were destructive to say the least. He altered it to where the cone would expand outwards 10 meters ahead of him. Limiting the risk of friendly fire. But once it expanded, it crashed into the horde and the earth. the ground now perfectly hollowed out semi circle. with a diameter matching that of the Evening elephant technique. Of course he launched a few more blasts! Despite his attitude, Katsuragi loved working as a team. One of the greatest joys in his life were pulling off a successful heist with good planning and execution.

"Huh, the fuck is that?", taking cue from one of the teammates as he takes a moment to look out yonder. It was like the four horsemen itself, slowly approaching the group behind the mob. Them seemed pretty savage too, offing their own minions like fodder. 'Damn..., these fuckers aint here to fuck around. They out for blood...', his thoughts interrupted upon catching the images of all four, two were well known to him. "WHAT THE FUCK? LUCKY?! HEY WAIT A MINUTE!", he yells. After using the process of elimination... It had to be the sword. Who else knew of him before hand? YOU SON OF BITCH! It's you aint it! Oh my...", he glances over to the sword. The snakes perk up once more with bright light eyes.

"You know what, screw the red head! I wanna fight lucky!", he scurries over to the duck's side comically with high knee strides as he broke formation. "This guy is jacked up in the head, you should have seen what he was asking me to do back in the cloud! He's the guy with the horseshoe on his head! Yep mhmm!", The snakes nod in unison as well "sis sis sis".. Of course he would fall back if the team disagreed. Although he had some issues, Katsuragi wanted out of this place. The sooner the better.
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TWC/ 2473