Chapter 50: I Bought a Whorehouse (Part 3)

"Asia, while I respect your desire to not engage in violence or other acts of bodily abuse it'd make me a hell of a lot more comfortable if you had some kind of self-defense weapon or tool."

"W-well I wouldn't even know how to use it! I can't be trusted with sharp objects, I'd cut myself!"

Rolling his eyes at the nun's almost hysterical attempts at trying to avoid any kind of potentially lethal happenings Cayman bluntly stated, "I'm not asking you to run around stabbing people, Asia…but think back to Hoestia's base and that whole mess. Would you prefer to have Twilight Healing and only Twilight Healing if things had truly gotten out of hand? You know what defeat meant back then. Would you idly stand by if your friends had been threatened with that kind of a fate?"

While he admittedly felt kinda bad about having Asia face the music in such a harsh way - reminding an innocent and puppy-like girl that she and her friends had been at risk of getting fucked to death was no fun - he'd much rather have that conversation now while there was still something that could be done about it instead of waiting until it was way too late.

And sulk she did, shrinking in on herself but nonetheless mumbling, "I…I would try to help."

"I know you would. And don't worry about it too much, we haven't gotten to see what's on sale yet and there might be some pretty useful but still nonlethal alternatives for you to play with."

Natsume - riding shotgun next to him - sagely nodded, reassuringly stating, "Moko has a truly eclectic display of tools and weapons, I have little doubt that there shall be something to your liking, Asia."

Slightly nodding at their reassurances Caren was the obvious choice of ruining the moment, lightly commenting, "Ahh, to think that you willfully corrupt my darling Asia so. And it is a truly masterful stroke of sinful indulgence that you have crafted, for I find myself agreeing with such actions."

"If you think this is bad then you clearly haven't seen me at my most depraved."

"Eh? What does that mean?"

Asia's worried question was met by more composed reactions from Rin and Lilim, the Magus giving him an unimpressed glare from the rearview mirror while the Succubus remarked, "Yeah, what does that mean, huh?"

"Depends on how much your virgin ears can stand, really. Because I will provide examples and there isn't anything you can do to stop me."

"Heh, I bet there isn't a single thing you can think of that will outstrip my imagination~!"

Cayman resisted the urge to smirk, half-tempted to remark that there were very few depths a horny teenager with internet access and a bit of disposable income wouldn't sink to but instead decided to merely favor the Demon with an enigmatic smile, her demeanor instantly shifting from smug and self-assured to wary, protesting, "W-what's with that creepy smile? Make it stop!"

"Well setting aside your usual dodgy garbage I'm just happy you got a normal car."

"Speak for yourself, Rin. I'm gonna miss having you on my lap with busted shocks."

"Funny, I won't."

The Gamer snickered at the young woman's blunt response, responding, "Don't get too attached, this is just a rental until I can find someone that isn't afraid to go a little crazy and has seen Redline."

"Redline? What's that?"

"A movie that is absolutely incredible when you watch it drunk. We'll get it on Blue-Ray and have you set it up for us, Rin."

The volcanic and mildly horrified expression he earned from the Magus was pure justice, even as Cayman reflected that he would have to check and see if the movie even existed in this world.

He hoped so, it was a comfort film of his.

"Wait, why does Rin need to set up the movie?"

Yumi's perfectly valid question had Rin hissing in wordless dissuasion, the rest of the journey passing in amused silence as they eventually pulled into a sushi joint a bit outside the city 'center', the place reasonably busy during the lunch hour as Natsume instead guided them towards the alley running parallel between it and the neighboring deli, withdrawing a knife from her purse and cutting a thin slice onto her finger, blood smeared across a door marked employees only as symbols Cayman recognized as Shinto in origin flashed in quick succession, a clack emanating a moment later as the door unlocked, Cayman going to walk through-

-and Natsume gently placed a hand on his chest, playfully winking as she instead directed them towards the deli's employee only door, the Gamer wryly remarking, "Yeah, that sounds like a Kitsune's idea of a defense system alright."

"Moko does enjoy his jokes. Anyone trying to go through that door will meet a fate ranging from embarrassing to swift, depending on his mood."

She repeated the process on the other door, this time no symbols flashing and the door merely unlocking with a quiet click as the Taimanin more seriously stated, "A fair warning, Moko is eccentric and playful at the best of times. Take his japes in stride and there will be no trouble."

And with that the woman pushed through the door, Cayman raising an eyebrow at the sight that greeted them. A traditional Japanese mansion with an almost laughably long and open terrace that overlooked a series of snowy mountains and valleys, desks, tables, shelves and racks loaded down with all sorts of strange and wonderful merchandise that had the Surveyor practically drooling with possibility.

"Oh GOD how many of these things can I maybe use as a catalyst?"

Before he had time to really consider the ramifications of that he was interrupted by a childish shout of, "Natsumeeeeeee~!" as a small, furry missile impacted the mature woman headfirst, the Taimanin taking an elegant step back to dissipate the force of the strike as she fondly smiled, stating, "Good afternoon to you as well, Moko."

In the woman's arms - and currently giving her what Cayman could only properly describe as a friendly motorboat - was a Kitsune male who didn't look a day over nine, six tails eagerly wagging through the air and garbed in a brightly colored t-shirt, board shorts and sandals.

"You're not some weird Homunculus creation are you?! These feel like the real deal but I must know the truth! I heard that you were killed!"

Plucking the Kitsune from her bosom and turning him Cayman's way Natsume calmly stated, "Were it not for my treasured companion here I would not be present…but it is indeed my original self you speak to."

Cayman levelly met the young boy's gaze, finding - as he expected in this wild world - that there was no childish wonder or jealousy in those golden orbs, only a professional curiosity and merchant's avarice.

"Were it not for his assistance I would have been made a slave of the Incubus King and a willing pawn of his designs. He's a friend, as we would describe it."

"Is that so?"

Moko made no further comment, blandly meeting Cayman's gaze before the Surveyor shrugged, deciding to put his faith in Natsume's estimation of the Kitsune as he extended a hand, stating, "Cayman Lute, Surveyor of Sanctuary."

A fluffy tail lazily landed in his palm as the youth crossed his arms, a facsimile of a handshake as he instead let his gaze sweep over the gathered group of Cayman's, landing on each and every individual one before staring at Natsume with an unreadable expression, the Taimanin merely smiling as she minutely nodded.

Cayman abruptly found himself the subject of a predatory grin.

"You have quite the refined palette, Lute. I think we'll get along great."

+10 REP with Moko, [10/100]

Natsume seemed happy with the way things had gone, making to set Moko down-

-and instead found herself intertwined in fox tails, the Kitsune petulantly stating, "I don't want to be set down yet, put me back in your chest. It's been-"

CRACK!

"-OW! What the fuck, Luana?!"

An absolute bombshell of a ravenette with assets that would make Kuroka's seem modest in comparison glared at Moko, one amber eye sporting visible irritation while the other orb was covered by a curtain of hair, fetishized miko outfit taking some of the gravitas out of the situation.

But Cayman supposed that was what the tablet in her hand was for, seeing as how it had just solidly impacted the Kitsune's skull.

"You're skirting actual work just to harass Miss Amadare again, dear. Honestly, not more than a few minutes back from the dead and this is the greeting she receives…"

The woman gave Natsume a brief bow, sounding quite genuine as she said, "It's a pleasure to have you back, Miss Amadare."

"The pleasure is all mine, Luana."

"The only pleasure I see here is the kind I'm not receiving-"

CRACK!

"Fucking fine, I'll go already…"

Grumbling to himself Moko marched off to where a group of other customers were perusing a table, rubbing his head as Cayman raised an eyebrow Luana's way, archly asking, "Stormy marriage?"

"I would have much preferred it if he left me to die in that alleyway, less indignities and headaches that way."

The words were harsh but the tone wasn't, the slightest traces of a smile pulling at the woman's lips as she turned her gaze towards the rest of Cayman's party, all of them silent and thrown off their game by Moko's attitude or Luana's dress code.

…Well, except for Caren, but Caren was Caren.

"What may I assist you with today?"

"We're here to buy a whole selection of equipment and curios, mostly geared towards the defensive side of things for Asia and Lilim here while the rest of us need a mix of offense and defense, with specialities in both Moonlit and Supernatural fields of study."

Luana nodded, gesturing for them to follow her as Cayman took a more thorough look around the compound, intrigued at the bevy of clientele and workers.

A busty Fallen Angel in a bunnysuit deftly showcasing an oversized anti-material rifle to a pair of cyborgs, a Vampire loli in lolita style explaining the merits of a runic battleaxe to a skeptical Werewolf…those were just a few examples of the variety on hand, the Surveyor casually remarking, "You seem to draw in quite the eclectic crowd."

"But of course! I cater to those from all corners of the universe and as long as they follow four simple rules they will find naught but an open market~!"

Moko returned to the group with an energetic bound as Luana's brow twitched in annoyance, the Kitsune chirping, "On these premises there shall be no lying, no cheating, no killing and pretty girls can get a discount if they give me a kiss."

A perverse leer adorned his features.

"The size of the discount depends on where you kiss-GAH?!"

Pinching his fox ear with an unimpressed glare Luana testily said, "Did I not tell you to go and aid someone else? First time customers will likely be repeat customers as long as they are spared my husband's perverted tendencies."

"Oh c'mon, these are some of the most interesting individuals to come through here in years, can you blame me for being excited? Pleeeeease, Luana?"

The woman wasn't moved so much as an inch, yet nonetheless sighed and affixed Cayman's group with a severe expression.

"If he becomes unbearable, step on his tails."

"Duly noted."

The sparsely dressed woman offered Natsume a final bow of recognition before gracefully departing, Moko excitedly clapping his hands while announcing, "So! What are you in the market for? I must say, such a wild collection is present before my eyes…a Nun with a Sacred Gear, Magus and another Sacred Gear wielder? Intriguing clientele, to say the least!"

Deciding not to bother asking how Moko had figured out their specialities Cayman instead kept a careful watch as the Kitsune suddenly invaded Asia's personnel space, eagerly stating, "And such a powerful healing or defensive Gear at that…what would you prefer to equip yourself with, young lady?"

Meeting Moko's enthusiasm with a remarkably unperturbed smile Asia merely replied, "Something protective or non-lethal in nature? I'm not very good at fighting…"

Cayman carefully shifted his balance in preparation to step on Moko's tail if he got too handsy with Asia…and the Yokai instead leant away with a thunderstruck expression, complaining, "It's too much, I can't lewd anything that innocent!"

Asia predictably seemed bewildered at the exclamation while the rest of the group sighed or groaned in exasperation, Cayman inwardly smirking as it seemed they had finally reached a point of contention when it came to taste.

Innocence was a very endearing trait when it came to amorous intentions and he was perfectly happy to die on that hill.

Moko got over his momentary shock, instead turning to Rin before decisively announcing, "You, on the other hand, look like the sort to start drooling from both ends the moment anyone gets a little bit too rough with you~!"

Rin's arm lit up with Reinforcement, a patently false smile adorning her lips as she bluntly replied, "I'll rip the tail out by the root if need be."

Clearing her throat before things could spiral into chaos any further Natsume pointedly remarked, "We do not have all day to indulge in your whims, Moko."

"Oh fine, be sensible and responsible and other boring things. Follow me, everyone!"

Now warily trudging after the Kitsune the Surveyor heard Asia whisper to Caren, "What does, 'too innocent to lewd' mean?"

An undercurrent of amused endearment could be heard in the Exorcist's tone as she replied, "It means your naivety has spared you from the clutches of a randy beast, Asia."

"Oh…that's good?"

Stopping at an intersection of several different aisles and tables Moko hopped upwards, his tails spreading beneath him and affording him a fluffy seat as the Kitsune more professionally stated, "A proper rundown then if you desire defensive or protective gear, as well as what you currently possess."

Motioning towards Asia and Caren the Gamer relayed, "Standard Exorcist undersuits and protective robes, good for small arms fire and unenchanted blades but we're going to be tackling bigger and bigger fish, something with a bit more 'possibility' moving forward."

Moko turned his gaze towards Lilim, raising an eyebrow as Cayman elaborated, "Same deal for her. A glorified bikini is attractive, sure, but it doesn't provide much in the way of protection."

Lilim blinked, hastily stating, "H-hey, I don't need a weapon either! I'm a lover, not a frontline fighter!"

"Yeah, but you still have value to the team and I'm not going to risk that just because you got a little nervous about this."

"...Oh. Uh…"

The Succubus adorably blushed before crossing her arms, loudly announcing, "Alright then, but I better get something expensive!"

+10 REP with Lilim [85/100]

Grinning at the Demon's tendencies Moko merely nodded, at last turning his gaze towards Yumi, the blonde evenly returning his stare as he mused, "And for this frightening young lady?"

"The works. Offensive, defensive…I'll fill you in on what her Gear does when we get to her. She's my chief bodyguard and protector so she needs the good stuff."

+5 AFC with Yumi Kiba [5/100]

"Nice."

"Very well, then let's start with our most holy of ladies~!"

Gesturing towards a table and series of mannequins further into the shop Moko hopped onto the floor, his tails forming into furred hands as they grabbed a series of bracelets, rings and other ornaments before dangling them before their eyes, Cayman spotting a bevy of sigils and other runes engraved upon their surfaces.

"I just so happen to have an Einherjar friend with a team of Valkyries - although it's more like a harem, the lucky bastard - who crafts these for me and they are quite the impressive feats of runic engineering. Individually geared towards specific threats, whether you want to deflect physical objects moving beyond a certain energy threshold, ward off curses while employing healing techniques or enjoy the finest of meads while stopping a cyanide pellet in its tracks. Heh, of course the Norse thought of that one."

Flicking one of the trinkets with a finger he added, "They're even adjustable and can be modified, although I would recommend you have someone highly skilled in Rune Magic available before you go fucking with them."

"Sounds like a job for Rossweisse, then."

Not that Moko was finished, the Kitsune then retrieving a series of folded unitards that were black as midnight, inlaid with intriguing patterns or swirls of silver and gold as he pitched, "Standard combat garb modeled after Taimanin attire, minus the particle channeling. Instead they have increased resistance to arms fire and edged weaponry, as well as the gimmick of forming a cowl over the wearer's head in case of hazardous breathing conditions."

A perverse smirk adorned the Yokai's face.

"It also makes for good bondage play~!"

"Eh? A-are these really that expensive? Why would we need to go into debt bondage to pay for them?"

Asia's abrupt question had all eyes turning her way, Moko bluntly responding, "First of all, that's not how it works. Second of all I'll offer a five percent discount if you promise to stop being so unnervingly innocent all the time."

Wide and puppy-like eyes blinked in rapid succession, the nun bewilderingly remarking, "I was? I thought I was just being money conscientious like I was taught…"

Yumi looked as if she couldn't decide whether to laugh or to cry - a state of being shared by most of their group - as Moko apparently decided that moving on was the safest bet, less reverently having one of his tails scoop up and haphazardly display a collection of more recognizable and mundane items.

"Shock batons requisition from local police forces, enchanted to carry a variety of additional elemental effects, same goes for the tasers. The sprays are a bit more varied, most containing some variation of Macedonian blessed silver filaments or crushed UV glass for your standard Vampire and Werewolf repellent although there's blends for all manner of different species."

The now familiar perverted smile returned.

"The piss from a Holy Virgin is especially potent against those of a more sinful persuasion."

Natsume sighed at the Kitsune's editorial as he clapped his hands, asking, "So what do you want? This is the extent of most nonlethal options that also have defensive purposes, mind you."

Cayman strode forward, grabbing one of the batons and pushing it handle first into Asia's reluctant own, gently stating, "That devotion to non-violence is more admirable than most will admit, but I think you're coming to realize that it doesn't come across as that appealing when it means letting others suffer for your ideals, does it?"

While a bit blunt and slightly manipulative - suggesting he knew her conclusions and that she either had to agree or openly say otherwise - the blonde nonetheless slowly nodded, gingerly accepting the weapon as if it was a radioactive snake that could bite her at any moment, Cayman turning back towards Moko as he said, "Two of those suits, four batons, twenty of those canisters and we'll come back to the rings once I have a better idea of what else we're getting."

"Very well, then onto the high and mighty Magus~!"

While Rin's expression suggested she was fantasizing about kicking Moko's face in she nonetheless let her curiosity win out, the Kitsune leading them to a jeweler's wet dream as his tails held up a variety of tools, casually stating, "Mystic Codes are always a finicky thing, precious few are general use but these in particular might just be up your alley."

The first was an old leather belt with several notches cut out of it, inlaid with some kind of silvery thread as he said, "Put a couple jewels in here and passively feed it energy, those jewels will have their power enhanced for whatever Magecraft you make use of. The offset is that I highly recommend you practice figuring out the limits of that powerup, seeing as small, spherical, hard objects have a tendency to become sensitive and lead to wondrous explosions when filled up with too much of a good thing."

The phrasing wasn't even close to subtle but Rin seemed fully ready to start beating the shit out of Moko, the Kitsune not so much as batting an eye as he added, "Also don't leave them on overcharge for too long, that also tends to end badly. But seeing as how you seem a fair hand at Reinforcement…"

Rin leaned forward, previous ire forgotten as the Yokai raised up a pair of arm gloves braced with leather straps, flecks of deep purple adorning its strangely reflective exterior as he said, "Ancient arm wrappings inlaid and impregnated with Amethyst shavings and flecks of Onyx, they're perfect as a backup option for close range battles as they channel kinetic and 'upfront' energy quite well."

A salacious smile tilted his lips.

"Catch your interest?"

She didn't quite manage to hide her obvious intrigue, Moko snickering as he airily stated, "I'll leave you to peruse the table, then. And as for you, my dear..."

Lilim blinked at the Kitsune's abruptly intense demeanor, hastily stating, "H-hey now, I'm no Magus so there's no point in giving me some crazy melee weapon, right?"

Rather than reply in a joking manner Moko just continued to stare, eventually reaching into his robes and pulling out a simple and unadorned necklace, silver chain connected to a heart-shaped pendant constructed of faded and dull ruby before handing it to the confused Demon.

"This once belonged to a mysterious and hidden Queen of Demons, said to be able to draw out the natural power and charisma of any who wear it. I think it'll suit you."

"Oh hoh~? Well then I think I'll gladly accept it, after all a treasure of this quality and worth…is…"

Everyone looked at Lilim with uncertain eyes, the Succubus trailing off as she stared down at the necklace now dangling around her throat, typical expression of mischief or irreverence replaced by an alien one of confusion and focus, lips silently moving as if she was trying to decipher some kind of puzzle.

Cayman merely sent the Kitsune a raised eyebrow, the smaller male subtly gesturing with an upraised finger for him to wait.

"...Well, I guess it'll do just fine for someone as awesome as me~!"

The awkward moment passed, no one wanting to question it but also weirded out until Moko happily remarked, "I knew I was the best at this! Now move along, it's time for the blonde bodyguard to receive her gifts!"

Palpable excitement emanated from the blonde before she managed to get it mostly under control, Cayman hanging back in order to speak with Moko as the Surveyor idly commented, "Interesting choice of gifts and inheritor back there."

"It sounds like you know why I did that."

"I'm more curious as to why."

The Kitsune boldly met his gaze before eventually shrugging, explaining, "She reminds me a great deal of Kamadeva's late wife, one that he actually cherished a great deal. Seeing as how Lord Phantom possesses the slightest measure of responsibility and culpability to those he rules I considered it only sensible to ensure his daughter survives long enough to perhaps one day succeed him."

"Assuming she even remembers that, her memory and powers are blocked, either willingly or unwillingly."

"And that's what the necklace is for. In times of great stress or danger it will forcefully draw out one's inner talent and strength to its fullest extent. For most that would be an excellent way to commit suicide as you burn yourself to a crisp inside and out…but for one who merely locked the flood away, who once swam in it without restraint? I wager she'll be just fine."

Eventually deciding that this was ultimately only beneficial the Surveyor nodded, Natsume wearing a small, knowing smile from where she stood next to them as he figured that of course the black ops agent knew what was up from just a few context clues.

…Although that begged more than a few questions about what the fuck was going on right now with the Demon faction. The Incubus King had originally been the one to replace Lord Phantom but it sounded as if Kamadeva was still alive and kicking, so what gives?

"...Fuck, I hope he doesn't get too offended by the fact that I'm steadily wooing his daughter."

"So what do you have in mind, miss knight?"

Yumi glanced towards Cayman, the Surveyor deftly replying, "Slightly heavier kit than what Asia and Caren have, she'll often be in the thick of things on an active basis. She has a speciality with swords and favors mobility."

"Is that right? Well in that case…"

The Kitsune marched a short distance away, tail slapping a reinforced mannequin garbed in a bodysuit that was reminiscent of the ones he'd selected for the church ladies but with noticeable padding around areas where joints and such weren't located, the back laced with some kind of metallic spinal contraption.

"Right around the time exoskeleton technology was beginning to become feasible on the battlefield orders were put out for slimmed down versions to be made available for stealthier ops or special forces. This is one of the second generation models equipped with a spinal interface if you really want to get the most out of it, since it'll stiffen, loosen or what have you upon mental impulse rather than manual trigger."

Cayman resisted the urge to sigh as Yumi seemed even more eager than before, the Surveyor asking, "And implanting this 'link'? What cost does that entail?"

It was Natsume who answered, smoothly replying, "It's a well documented and practiced operation, for a simple suit such as this one the implant will be all but invisible and will require nothing more than a day or two of rest after the surgery."

With someone he trusted vouching for the process he resignedly turned to face Yumi, making to ask for her opinion-

-and as expected she immediately replied, "I'll do it."

"...Is there a point to me saying that you're more than welcome to think this over for a few seconds?"

"Not really, no."

Rolling his eyes at the stubborn words Cayman shrugged, Moko humorously observing, "What a determined young lady you have under your wing, I'm almost jealous. But in addition to the suit we have these."

A simple but well armored helmet with retractable plate covering a variety of sensors and a case that could have contained a power tool were it not for the distinctly ominous air it contained within.

"Standard combat helmet to interface with the suit, as well as a second generation hyper vibration sword to compliment it all…although be warned, this sword in particular has a bit of a curse attached to it. Get lost in the throes of battle while wielding it and you might just find yourself having a bit too much fun…"

"Uh, that sounds kinda ominous. Aaaaaand Yumi doesn't care."

In fact the blonde practically had sparkles in her eyes as she accepted the case, Cayman figuring that introducing her to Shirou, the walking armory, might have given her some ideas that were crazy in nature.

"Oh well, I kinda set myself up for that one, might as well own it."

"Just be careful when turning it on, being able to convert magic energy into battery power has made most designers lazy when it comes to these sorts of things, unless you're feeding it a constant stream of energy you'll have maybe a minute of charge."

Moko turned his gaze on Cayman, idly inquiring, "Now what will we need for you, Mr. Surveyor?"

"No stealth, bells or whistles or anything remotely crazy for me. Just a nice, solid bit of both defense and offense, no excessive amount of mobility required."

"Well in that case, take a look at these."

Gesturing to a more cluttered part of the room Cayman laid his eyes on a reinforced rack that contained a mess of servos, modular plates and significantly larger length of metal across the spine, Moko explaining, "Third generation exoskeleton, heavy infantry model. Didn't end up being as popular as the lighter fourth and fifth generations as well as being a battery hog, although a bit of Extranatural engineering courtesy of yours truly found a workaround for that by implanting various gemstones like the ones you're Magus was salivating over earlier as a far more efficient furnace, as long as you don't mind paying a bit for it. Although one trick the third gen has over its successors is that it's far more modular, you can mix and match all sorts of different weapons or trinkets to it, the software used is pretty general and compatible with all sorts of OS, not something you see on much military hardware."

Stroking his chin in intrigue Cayman asked, "On the subject of weapons what do you have in terms of ranged options? Something simple like a handgun or shotgun would be best."

Unfortunately his lethality with a spear didn't translate to firearms and while he'd learnt to shoot for obvious reasons in his past life he was no John Wick.

…Moko's slightly unhinged smile had Cayman both worried and intrigued in equal measure, the Kitsune hurrying over to a series of locked glass display cases, performing some mind-bending unlocking process before grabbing its contents, coming back to Cayman before handing him a nasty looking pistol that looked like an unholy combination of Desert Eagle and Dredd's Lawgiver.

"GA America's Castigator, using .38 special. And when I say special, I mean special. They made a specialty line of these things with Extranatural users in mind and it packs a slew of options for a savvy enough practitioner."

"Oh?"

The Kitsune deftly slipped a magazine into the gun before racking the slide, stating, "Blanks, but the rest of the enchantments will work just fine. Give it a spin."

Cayman marched to the edge of the veranda, Moko lazily tossing a talisman that floated in random directions as Cayman quietly manifested his trusty rebar into his off hand, raising the gun to eye height and idly reflecting that his increased strength and agility allowed him to hold the thing steady without difficulty.

While shooting one handed wasn't without some situational merits in practical terms it was something you only did if you were trying to look stylish or shit had hit the fan. Right now?

"[Frost Lance]."

A pull of the trigger and kinetic BANG shot out a mirror-bright lance of frozen energy, hitting the talisman and causing it to explode in a shower of snowflakes and jagged icicles, the uneven mass of frozen material tumbling down the mountainside as Cayman smirked.

"Yeah, I think I like this."

"I knew you would."

Turning to face Moko's smug expression the Surveyor stared out over his group, all of them eyeing their newest purchases…and felt his stomach drop, heaving out a sigh as he met the Yokai's predatory gaze.

"So how much do I owe you?"

"Oh, not to worry…we accept payment in installments for the truly valued customers."