Tanra Lore: Jiangshi

Nadia: Hi guys! We're back with another mythos explained lore thing…. YEAH! Anyhozies, we’re OOC for this one, as you can tell. ^.^

Anyway, we wanna talk to you about the antagonist of the china mission our favorite troll is working on. We realised we went into this without giving y'all a full explanation of what they are ‘n’ how to go about defending yourself against one.  Also, remember, we're not going through the whole thing, just a few things that pop up in the blog. There's a lot more to cover, but that will come at a later date.

Tara: So, today we are giving a brief overview of the Jiangshi, also known as the ‘Chinese Vampire/Zombie’, or ‘Hopping Vampire/Zombie’ (the latter words in both aliases can be interchangeable between Vampire and Zombie). These are a bit different from what the western idea of a vampire is, mainly as, in chinese mythology, the Jiangshi pretty much encompass many forms of undead. So, if you like the idea of vampires and zombies, you’re going to love the idea of the Jiangshi in mythology.

Sorry, Twilight Fans, no twinkles here though :P bad T Should I leave it in?

Firstly, an actual explanation of how the Jiangshi are formed. In ancient china, if someone dies far from home, it is thought that the spirit of that dead person would not be able to rest if they were buried somewhere unfamiliar. As such, family members of the dead, who are unable to pay an extortionate amount to have the body transported back home, would contact a Taoist Priest, who, using paper talismans, would reanimate the body, and would transport the body home in this manner instead at the dead of night, ringing a bell to ward away people, since it’s thought that it’s pretty bad luck to see a Jiangshi being lead home.

No surprise, really. I think most people would have a heart attack to see a dead person walking around, Taoist rituals or otherwise. *shivers*

Nadia: Don’t worry, there are ways to defeat them *whispers*  but they will come a little later. First of all, let's get into the types. In total, there are 6 types of Jiangshi, but for the sake of boredom *cough cough* on our parts (it's like super late when we're writing this and ain't nooobody got time for late night writing. We finished uni and, lord knows, I need to catch up on my sleep), let's focus on the three that are referenced in the story: Black Jiangshi, Ba, and the Demon King.  

To be honest, I should probably start with the white ones, but not going to make this harder on myself, so hey! Jiangshi originally feed on the blood of livestock - you got your cow and sheep blood for example. I wonder if it's like eating black pudding for, like, centuries. Because that's how long it takes for them to evolve into their next state - the being known as the Black Jiangshi. They’re covered with little black hairs perusing form their body, and these mofo’s get awfully brave. Unlike their white counterparts, they aren’t afraid of *inhails*: chickens, dogs etc. It was common, back in the day, for villagers to report on attacks to their livestock and, hey, yeah…. No, I think I might go vegan after this one. I mean, really, I don't want undead zombie cooties all over my steak, sooo…. Yeah, I’m gonna give this one a pass. Ew!

Tara: Still, even if these things are creepy as hell….well, this form of Jiangshi are pretty much small fries. It’s after they’ve existed sucking blood and life forces of animals and people for a good few centuries that things start getting….well, deadly. As in they end up acting like Pokemon and evolving to get stronger, to the point they’re beyond being reanimated corpses and transcend to basically becoming demonic.

The Jiangshi that ‘evolves’ eventually become known as Ba, sometimes also referred to as Hanba or Drought Ba. These demonic like creatures will bring with them plagues and droughts wherever they go, and thus bring suffering upon people and land. What’s worse is that, as well as being much faster than the original weaker forms, they can also shapeshift. And, guess what? A lot of the things they were scared of before, from chickens, to sunlight, which scared most of the early forms, no longer bothers them.

Well crap. Guess even daylight hours are buggered up now, huh? What is even worse? They still eat life forces. And they can still get stronger. Much, much stronger…

Nadia: Well… hopefully you won’t get to see their ‘final form’ - trust me, if you thought you were fucked before with the other two, you’re royally fucked now! After a few thousand years, the Ba transforms into The Demon King…. And that mofo’s no joke. They have near unlimited power (that a tale for another day) and...well, that’s why it’s usually wise to deal with them before they get to that state.

Now, to help you along with that, here are some tips to save your rumps with these undead pain in the necks.

(We’ll go from most boring and practical, to the most cool fo’ you guys!)

Tip one: Threads stained with black ink. It is said that carpenters would use the threads to make sure that things would be straightly aligned. (Also, fun fact: the word ‘straight’ in Chinese, ‘Zhēng’, can be used to mean ‘righteous’.) I suggest using that to keep these pests out of your house before….you know, it gets to its later stages. Kind of hard to avoid when they get to having unlimited POWER!

Tip two: One of the two delicious methods on the how to defeat these hopping bastards: a sword made from the wood of a peach tree. It is said that the peach is the essence of the five elements (again, we’ll go into that in another post) capable of warding off evil auras and spirits! Finally, your turn, my friend - I know you’re itching to do this last one.

Tara: Tip Three: When in doubt, Kill it with Fire!!!!! Yup, the universal way of killing off basically anything that isn’t from fire to begin with is to kill it with fire, literally. Using fire, it is said to burn the Jiganshi right to the bone. Considering our pyromaniac troll…..well, we can guess which method that he might prefer to use. So, if any of you happen to have a flamethrower handy, then you’re golden! :)

Nadia: And that concludes your crash course on the Chinese Hopping Zombie, aka Jiganshi. Again, we didn’t do this justice. Hopefully, we can sneak a few of these in the next couple of posts we upload, or, you know…. However mean we decide to be without dragging this out much further. But any hozies.

Tara: Yup, there is tons more involved in the Jiangshi mythos, but if we continued, we’d be here for a loooong time. Plus, it’s something to look forwards to when we revisit the topic later. So, that’s all from us for today! Hopefully, with this, it will help you guys to follow us through the rest of the current China arc. Look forwards to it!

Both: Until next time, Agents!

Nadia and Tara. 

Girls Day Out...?

--- Tanra Note ---

Hi guys, Tara and Nadia from TanraStudios, here!

We wanted to say a quick apology for the lack of a mid week post on wednesday. Unfortunately, the two of us have been a little preoccupied due to a mix of illness and longer than usual work hours at the day job, meaning that neither of us could get a hold of each other to make the posts as normal. Sorry about that! But, good news, everything is now much better, with illness cleared up and work hours back to normal, so we’ll be back to our usual posting schedule next week.

Thanks for being patient with us! But for now, we’ll leave you with the much awaited blog post!

Until Next time, Agents!

--- Last Time ---

???: Anyone else have any thoughts on the matter?

Subordinate 1: Nothing for now, sir, but we’ll tell you if anything comes up. I’m going to set up the audio for the rooster, then I’m going to find out where that girl is. I wanna talk to her again. I have more questions for her.

???: Then you all know what needs to be done. We need to have every advantage we can get. *Clenches his fists* I….don’t want anyone else to die because of this. Once you’re ready, inform me. We don’t have much time to waste. Dismissed.

All: Sir!

--- Beijing, China ---

*After talking to ??? and his subordinates, the girl walks away while pondering to herself*

Girl: I better get a move on... I don’t seem to have much time left. Grampa, I miss you. I gave my sword to the agent with the white hair, like you told me. He looked really cool, but I think he was a little suspicious of me, hahahah... But, you know, I don’t blame him… the way I am now, I would be a little on edge, too.

*A crowd of schoolgirls approach her*

School Girl 1: Um... hey, you’re the one who makes those adorable bracelets. Do you have any on you? We’ll buy!

School Girl 2: You’re so cute! Did you make them yourself?

Girl: Yep and yep! This way, ladies, I have more at my house and I’m making a new batch as soon as I get home, so wanna come over? It’s been awhile since I had guests over!

School Girl 3: Sure, we have some time to kill. We’ll even make you something yummy.

Girl: |Some...thing yummy!!!

*The younger girl eyes begin to glisten, hastily wiping the drool from her lips*

Girl: N-no, it’s ok. I couldn’t possibly!!!

School Girl 1: It’s no big deal. We’re in the cooking club at our school and we actually need a taste tester for a new dish we’re trying out.

School Girl 4: I heard you’re living all alone since the old man died a while back. Come on now, you don’t want to be all alone. We’re worried about you. Plus, we have all the ingredients. You sure you don’t want any? It’s beef noodle soup and steamed buns?

Girl: IF YOU INSIST!

*All four of the school girls, burst out laughing, petting the little girl as they walk to her home.  

--- After a Short While ---

School Girl 2: Aaaaad done! Food’s ready! Everyone set the table

School Girl 4: It’s ready…. Hurry up and serve it, I’m starving!!!

Girl: Fooooood!

School Girl 4: See?

School Girl 2: Shut it, you, or you won’t get any!

School Girl 1: Hahah, seems like you two are at it again, just like a husband and wife! Hahaha

School Girl 3: Does that make us the kids?

School Girl 4: No way! Who wants kids as old as you guys? I prefer this widdle cutie! So cute, so soft.

Girl: Foooooood!

School Girl 2: Ok, ok, eat up now!

*After a short while, loud sounds can be heard from the outside. The girl hastily moves to the closest window, grabbing a bunch of bracelets that rest on the windowsill. Slowly, she begins to chant.*

School Girl 1: W-what’s going on?

Shool Girl 4: Hush!

School Girl 2: Are we under attack?

School Girl 3: …. Everyone stay calm!

*The younger girl finishes chanting and a golden bubble engulfs the house and the surrounding area. Wobbling back the the group, barely catching her breath*

Girl: Here, take these. They’ll protect….y...you…..

Girl: …. And with that my world went black……

[END]

Reinforcement

--- Last Time ---

???: Uuuuuh huuuuuuh…..Welp, I’m afraid I have to cut this short. Like I said, I’m going to have a lovely time cutting down my new prey, so I’ll have to indulge in your fantasies some other time. I’ll save you a souvenir! Ciao.

Little Flower: Y-yeah bye! Be careful!!!

*The device cuts off. With a sigh, ??? turns his attention to the city and his expression shifts to one of a humourless smirk*

???: Well then...Let’s get started.

--- Beijing, China ---

*Traveling through the city two man are hastily sorting through data, and quickly sends an email before one reaches out for his blade. And fastening it to his side. While the other collapses his own and fastening his protective gear, finishes sending off his group out to action*  

X: I didn't plan on using this so soon, but the way things are going… No.. I have to steady my nerves.

Y: Do you really think now it the time to be putting things on the back burner? Seriously, we have enough to deal with with a potential undead bouncing army and you’re complaining about a weapon you didn’t want to use. I thought you wanted the Jiangshi gone?

X: That’s not what I meant and you know it. Unlike you, I don’t raise my sword unless I’m certain I’ll land on my target. But this seems… off somehow?

Y: Other than….you know, the army of undead? *sarcastically* I can’t think why. Look, I don't think even the dumbest person could see this as anything but an ‘off’ situation. Hell, even the master knows something is off and he’s not even been in the country more than half a day.

X: Again, that’s not what I mean. Not quite, anyway. I doubt that the means to this attack is just a wide spread panic. A terrorist attack doesn't seem to fit the bill…. the … No, it’s like there’s something or someone who is the real mastermind behind this.

Y: *Sighing* ...That’s what I meant. No one ‘accidentally’ does these things, and whoever has been using spells to reanimate these Jiangshi would have no reason to start this as a ‘terrorist’ without at least giving some form of explanation to justify what they’re doing. Instead, we just have an attack without even an ultimatum or a demand. As I said, It’s something we know, here, even if we don’t know exactly why this is happening. But honestly, our first point of interest is getting those unnatural things away from our people. Then we can think about the whys. But if we focus too much on speculation, more people will die first.

*Y sighs again, looking over to X with a grim expression on his face*

Y: It’s not to say we can ignore it either, otherwise this will just happen again. But right now, our priority is saving our people. Then we can go after the one controlling these things. I know for sure that the Master will personally want to take the time to…’politely’ question whoever is responsible.

X: Yeah, yeah. I understand… It still bugs me to no end, though. But then... well, I’ll jump that hurdle when I get there. If possible, I’ll do my best not to raise my sword… not unless I have to. Well, I’m leaving first. Good luck!

Y: Make sure not to die out there. I’d rather not have to deal with all your paperwork if you make a blunder.

X: So, I’m only a secretary in all this, huh? Nice to be appreciated. I’m nothing more than an office worker...jee, thanks. Well that’s eons of friendship down the drain.

Y: What, you mean that isn’t a stack of papers in those boxes, Mr ‘Everything must be in a proper order’? Hey, all I’m saying is that your wisdom is more bookish than me. I’m the one who fights more than you after all. Just take it as a compliment, Bookworm. Anyway, I have my own job to do, too. Say hi to those Jiangshi before you gut them for me!

*Laughing, Y leaves X’s side to head to his mission point*

X: Well, best make a move on, then.  

--- A Few Hours Later ---

X: Well, I didn’t have to look far to find you. Look at all this…. Like a virus spreading throughout this land….  But which direction…. Where’s the source….

*Droves of Jiangshi come though the surrounding areas. Screams and the smell of blood drenches the air. Suddenly X’s eyes shoot open*

X: there I've found it 20 miles north!

*Some distance away from the chaos of the Jiangshi, ??? is aiding in the construction the latter parts of what will become a bunker for any civilians that need escape from the Jiangshi’s attack. Looking over the plans, he occasionally flicks through the reports sent from the subordinates, relaying the information from their individual investigations. As his eyes zero in on part of this, he grits his teeth with a hissed breath*

???: Is he serious? Undead are making their way into the city and the people in power are refusing to even believe it as more than superstition? Do they seriously favour their jobs over the lives of those in their care. *a snarl plays on his lips* This is why I really hate humans sometimes!

*Running a hand through his hair, he forces himself to take a deep breath before whirling around to see that there are people approaching. Noting the markings on their clothing as underlings to Y, ??? forces himself to relax.*

???: And it seems that the competent help has arrived. Thank goodness. I thought I was going to have to deal with obnoxious trash that prefers their job in ignorant bliss rather than the lives of their people. What do you have for me?

Recruit 1: What do you expect, sir? ‘Something like that could never happen to me, in this day and age. Besides, the mystic does not exist, right?’

Subordinate 2: That’s the issue with today’s world. I have an idea, but I’ll need a few hours to implement it.

???: Sometimes, I wonder if I should never have left….*Snorts bitterly, before shaking his head* Forget them. If they die, it’s their own fault. We warned them. Though I suppose I’ll keep an eye on them for when their petty little world shatters once they see the truth for themselves. As for this idea, do it. We have little time as it is, so anything to keep innocent people from getting hurt due to their lackluster leaders is beneficial.

Subordinate 2:  Then give me two hours. I’ll pull a few strings and see what I can do. People are my forte, after all. I’ll report back when I’m done. Later

*Subordinate 2 walks off into the crowd and leave the recruits to ???*

???: Heh, well, I knew there was a reason that I wanted him in my team. *Turns to the Recruits* Have you been made clear on the situation at hand?

Recruit 2: Yes sir, we were briefed on the way down here. We actually had a run in with the vermin on our way. There’re about 2-3 days away right now. But, hopefully, with the traps we set up, we should have a an extra day or so…

Recruit 3: I’ll know if they have got past it or not - I left a few devices around to show me their movement from this side of the city. I have the intention of doing so for the rest of the surrounding areas, just in case they decide to get smart with us. I doubt so, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.

???: Excellent work. With the shelters almost complete, this will give us time to also incorporate enough of a strategy to minimize the further damage and see to it that we also don’t end up with casualties among the fighters. If you can help with the shelters and evacuation of those in the outskirts in the meantime. But for now...

*??? turns to the first recruit*

???: If you can report to me about their movements, anything at all you’ve noticed about them. That way we can formulate the best way to dispose of the trash. While Jiangshi have weaknesses they all share, we have no way of knowing if the Priest that’s controlling them has something else in mind without looking at their patterns. This doesn’t seem to me like a run of the mill terrorist, after all. Something else is in the works…

*Subordinate 1, with an arm around a young girl.*

Subordinate 1: I think this adorable one can help us a ton.

Girl: Um.. Well, I know how to defeat them… um, I… um.

Subordinate 1: Now, don’t be shy. I know he looks scary, but he’s a big old softy at heart, ok? So you don’t have to be scared!

Girl: OK! Um well there's a few ways to get rid of them, or at least get them running away! Bells are good, a roosters crow, fire and a sword made from a peach wood tree. And, in doubt, a mirror or any reflective surface will do. If possible, I think using fire should only be a last minute option.  We don't want the whole of china burning. Hehehe.

Subordinate 1: She was an apprentice of a local Taoist Priest that died a little while back. When she saw that I was one of Pandora's agents, she decided to tag along. Also, you were doing something a little sneaky with the local youths, weren't you?

???:  Well, it seems her training has paid off, then. She is quite correct on her combat methods, assuming we can get ahold of enough. One of my Subordinates is, after all, doing their best to distribute bells, at the very least. Getting a sword made of peace wood might be a little difficult on short notice, unless any local Taoist Priests have any on standby. As for fire….if it comes to using it, it won’t be too much of an issue, at least where creating it is concerned. I have a certain flare for pyrotechnics.

Girl: You’re not an arsonist, are you!?! Grampa...AH, I mean, master said ‘if you play with fire, you gonna get burnt’, so that’s a nono!

???: Ah, no, you could say that I’m more like a person who does fire special effects in shows and the like. I’m not the type to just use fire in a way that can hurt people - which is our main problem with just relying on fire without a plan. We need a way to contain it, so that it doesn’t become out of control. If all we end up doing is raising the whole city to the ground then it would be no different than us doing a complete purge. We want to save people, after all. Speaking of people, you mentioned ‘youths being sneaky’ - these ‘youths’ wouldn’t happen to know anything about the Jiangshi, would they? After all, you wouldn’t have approached us, with the information about how to defeat them, if something didn’t tip you off.

Girl: W-well…

*She rolls up her sleeve*

Girl: Well, I’ve been giving out these bracelets and charms. They have a little magic in them. The charms are used to repel evil. But I’ve been saying they are for good luck with chams and the bracelets are love charms. When actually they are wards against evil and they repel our little problem. I’m not as strong as master so I’m not sure how effective they will be, so…

???: Well, they certainly are helpful. I know a little about Jiangshi combat, myself. Considering those in charge are adamant about not believing in the threat, then at least the youths won’t suffer. As long as the charms work long enough to get into the shelters, then that should help.

Girl: Thats good, Im happy then! Oh, here, take one, my last one left. It might come in handy. Well, I’m off now - I need to make more charms and bracelets and get them out there. OH! And, if you can, use this peach sword. It was gramps - Ah! I mean, masters. If you can use it, go ahead. I’ll be taking it back when this is all over, k? Bye now!!!

*She leaves just as quickly as she arrives. Subordinate 1 waves her off as she does so.*

???: Hm….It’s a little convenient that she was there, knowing all this about the events, with all of this pre-prepared….I hope I’m just being paranoid. *glances at the peach wood sword.* ….For now, at least we have something, though it’s unlikely we can get many of these at short notice. I have fire at my disposal, so the sword can be used by a sword user with no fire abilities. As for the other things, I have someone working with bells right now, but does anyone have access to access to mirrors or roosters at short notice?

Subordinate 1: I don't know… Sir, I think you should at least keep those items on your person. Just my opinion. N I don't think you’ll get a live rooster, but if I tinker with the settings on the communicator, I can probably send a signal to most mobile devices to create a rooster recording. Will that work?

Recruit 2: I could do the same to any device that happens to have a speaker attached. It's easy enough. But we’re gonna struggle once the sun goes down. Their activities are going to get worse by then. Well, what little time day 3 will give us. We’ll be fighting until the sun rises again. Then this should settle down by then. We’ll need to stop them by then.

???: That’s why the sword might make for better use in someone else’s hands….*grits teeth* but….roosters, for now, there’s nothing that says that the rooster call needs to be a live one. It’s possible it might work still, but we shouldn’t rely on it. Still, get to work on distributing that. What about mirrors? The more combat methods we have, the better chance we have at stopping them before the sun goes down. If it gets to that point, we’ll need to use the fire plan. But even then, we still need a containment method.

Recruit 2: give us an hour we do a test run of the rooster call the missions… that might be a little difficult to recreate…

Subordinate 1: she did say any reflective surface would do as long as the windows are shiny enough and the areas clean enough we’ll be fine… saying that we could lead them into a trap. In the file it did say that they were afraid of there own reflection. If we corner them into an area and then dispose of them in bulk then that would quickly reduce our vermin problem.  What do you think boss?

???: Hm….It would certainly work, especially if we can box them in. Quite the shame we don’t have a convenient hall of mirrors, but we can make do. With the bells and rooster sounds, it should be easy enough to gather them all in one place, box them in with the mirrors and burn the lot of them. We just need to make sure that we can implement the strategy without losing people on our end. Those of you not helping in the evacuation, gather what you can that’s reflective, be it mirrors, polished shields, shiny metal plates, anything. The more the better. Then we can see exactly what we have to work with, and if the plan is viable. Anyone else have any thoughts on the matter?

Subordinate 1: Nothing for now, sir, but we’ll tell you if anything comes up. I’m going to set up the audio for the rooster, then I’m going to find out where that girl is. I wanna talk to her again. I have more questions for her.

???: Then you all know what needs to be done. We need to have every advantage we can get. *Clenches his fists* I….don’t want anyone else to die because of this. Once you’re ready, inform me. We don’t have much time to waste. Dismissed.

All: Sir!

[END]

What's Your Zombie Apocalypse Plan?

--- Last Time ---

???: Hah, it’s not a problem….yet anyway. But if it becomes one, you’ll be the first to know. Anyway, why exactly did you call me again? Were you wanting a distraction?

Little Flower: OH YEZS, you were saposed to send me a pic! I gave you two hot pics of me. I want one or five in return! Girl needs to eats! ‘N keep a couple in my album... but you’re not spoed to know that. Once I get that I’m.. Off.. to.. B-ed…. Pluss I misss you. *Eyes growing heavy*

???: *Trying not to chuckle* of course. I’ll be sure to get right on that. And don’t worry so much. I’ll be seeing you soon enough. Now, be sure to take care of yourself. And play nice with your new ‘partner’.

Little Flower: *Nodding off* Who said I’m… worried… ‘n the only partner for me is you. Don’t you know that?... I lik…. *Soft breathing as she finally falls asleep*

???: *Smile fading slightly* I know… *Sighing* I know. Sleep well, partner

--- X’s Residence, Beijing, China ---

* Early morning after the initial meeting with X and subsequent stay at X’s residence, ??? sits in the main study, a file in hand that had been compiled about the state of the Jiangshi that X had reported the day before. With a frown on his face, ??? flicks through the file, his free hand drumming his fingers on the desk that he is sitting on, somewhat displeased.

???: I still have no idea why certain people seem so obsessed with things like Necromancy. The dead should stay dead. What’s the point in the natural cycle of nature if idiots decide to attempt to step into godly territory? I have never seen or heard of a case when a mortal decides to try to become god-like ever ending well, so why do they continue to try?

X: Hmp, i’ve only seen it work once. But it doesn't seen like these attacks are… no.. there not…. It just doesn't make sense… could it?

???: Well? Even if it’s only a theory, it’s better than nothing. What do you have for me?

X: Individually, these attacks seem random…. But look.

*He types away on his computer and the monitor behind him springs to life, showing locations on a map and the dated of the attacks*

X: look where they’re hitting - these aren’t not major cities, but the suburban areas; populated enough to cause an outbreak, but not enough to spread a pandemic. Why do you think that is?

???: Well, my first thought is that, whoever is doing this, is hoping to keep things under wraps. Large cities with any kind of undead, especially the type that can suck out life energy, would cause panic, and you know how fast word can spread, what with social media. Not to mention the fact that there’d be CCTV all over urban areas. Suburbs….well, you can keep that under wraps, if you’re very careful. Someone doesn’t want this known, so it’s not your usual ‘take over the world with terror’ plan.

*??? Leans closer to look at the patterns with a frown.*

???: Is there more that you’re able to pick up? You’ve been looking into this longer than me. What am I missing?

X: You’re not far off the mark, but look at the areas again. They’re getting closer to the major cities with each attack. Not only that, but this type of news isn't going unnoticed and it’s not like the mundane are just sitting and doing nothing - they’ve begun to close of their borders and isolating the affected and near by areas.

*He huffs, looking slightly annoyed.*

X: Like that will do anything. The only thing that it’s going to accomplish is isolation and a clear path to the major cities…. Wait. Do you think that’s what they’re planning!?! Then... this is bad: it means that we don't have a lot of time till they reach here!  Look at the date: with each month, they’re getting closer and the attacks more frequent!

???: Calm down. Panicking won't accomplish anything.

*Lightly jumping off the desk, he moves around to X’s side to take control of the mouse and send the map to the printer, so he could add it to the rest of the file*

???: I’ll handle this personally. What My minions and I don’t manage to take out will be a test for Pandora, unless they really aren’t up to the challenge. But someone wants to play with fire in my territory, they’re going to get burned. I suppose in a way, my pyromaniac tendencies will have a use, here. Heh.

X: Try not to burn down the whole of China, will you? And what exactly will you do about the ones causing this mess? For this to be truly over, you’ll have to do something about them.

I believe that it would be best if we split in two groups. As skilled as you are, Master ???, you and that little group won’t be able to handle the this on your own. Myself and half of the clan will do what we can to find and stop the priests responsible for this. Meanwhile, it would be best for you to look after the safety of the people with ‘Y’ and the other half. I’ll send a messenger as needed.

???: ...Normally, I would have to have words with you for trying to command, again, when the clan is Mine…. but in this case, it’s unfortunately the most practical thing to do. Fire is a big weakness of Jiangshi, and….well, I’ve always been pretty gifted with fire.

*??? sighs, taking out the printed out map and slipping it into the file*

X: I do what's best for our people - they are my one and only priority at present. I will go back to being your servant after we’ve dealt with the fools responsible. Right now, all I want to do is cull the bastards tainting this land… there were good people down there, and now…..

*He take a breath trying to steady his anger*

???: *Eyes hidden by his bangs, face turning grim* X….you do realise I was just joking, right? I know very well where your priorities lie and you know I’m grateful to you, that you care for them so much. I just tend to deal with my anger with humour, otherwise I would act rashly and do something I might regret. So, I’ll use my dark humour...for now, at any rate. The people don’t need my rage before it can be directed at the one’s responsible. Rest assured, that I’m saving that rage purely for our people, and I will bring those who caused this suffering to justice. I will avenge those who have already fallen, and I will save our people from these abominations. I’ll leave subduing our Taoist up to you. But, in return, try not to kill him. Just subdue, if possible.

*A dark grin crosses his face as the fingers of his free hand twitch, as if wanting to tear through something*

???: After all, I would very much like to make sure our would be ‘god’ gets just the attention they deserve.

X: I’ll Do my best. I’ll update you if i find out anything.

???: Good. I’m counting on you to do good work as usual. But for now, its time to do my duty to our people as well, be they supernatural or mundane. After all...Jiangshi, used like this? They don’t need to have such a pitiful existence.

*Heads towards the door with a backward wave, he leaves the office in order to meet with the subordinates that he parted ways with the day before, his expression turning somewhat grim, eyes narrowed with suppressed righteous anger, focusing it into a weapon to use against the upcoming foe*

*An hour drive to the nearby bar, the sounds of the three agents and a two women yelling can be heard loudly over a crowd*

Woman 1: You Ass! How could you play with us like that?!

Subordinate 1: ...You didn't have to hit me like that...

Woman 1: Whad’you say! Your lucky I didn't bash your brains out! How could you go from me to that hussy?! You really have no taste!

Woman 2: Excuse me! Don’t drag me into this - I’m as much a victim as you you here and if you’re going to throw insults, look at you! Humph! Who raised you to dress and act like that…? Look around, you whore - your yelling has caused a scene.

Subordinate 3: They're both right, your playing arround caused all of this.

Subordinate 1: Hey! Aren't you supposed to be on my side?!

Subordinate 3: Since when?

???: It’s quite true. I did tell you to behave, after all. And you dug yourself into this hole. You reap what you sow.

Subordinate 1: Sir…

Woman 1: Oh wow! He’s gorgeous! Hey, are you single?

Woman 2: God, you’re as bad as that ass! I’m leaving.

???: Forgive my subordinate's behaviour, Ladies. I’m afraid that he is something of a fool. Rest assured that he will be receiving proper punishment for his infidelities.

Woman 2: From the way he dodged your question, I would assume so.

Woman 1: Awwha… Fine, but you better do a better job than that sucker punch I gave him just now! I’m counting on you, mister boss man!

*She winks as she blows a kiss. The other woman, trying not to shake her head as she walks away, dragging the woman off behind her*

Subordinate 2:...Well, you should be glad that Master ??? saved your ass from getting killed. Again. Seriously, man, you need to stop this or you’re literally going to get ripped apart by the wrong kind of woman one day.

Subordinate 3: If it saves my sex from the likes of him, then I’ll do it myself.

*Points gun directly at the fool*

*??? Grabs hold of the gun and points it towards the sky*

???: Enough of this. Start a gunfight here and I’ll have the lot of you up before Madam Pouvell and out of Pandora before you can say ‘Insubordination’. We have work to do. I have no time for you to be playing around when people have been dying. So, if you please, shut up and pay attention.

All 3 Subordinates: YES SIR!

???: Good.

*Passes them the file*

???: Read through this and pass it on as soon as you do. It has all the information on what exactly we’re dealing with in this mission. We don’t have room for any screw ups here. Even as we speak, more people are at risk.

Subordinate 1: ...The hell is this…? It’s way out of my field! I don’t do the undead!

Subordinate 3: The hell you don’t! We’re Pandora agents! We’ve been given a case and we’re going to do it!

Subordinate 1: Yeah, yeah. So, are there at least any ways of defeating the dead…? Holy water….? A cross….? Holy fire? Anything!?

???: *In a sarcastic tone* No, there’s no way to defeat them, I’m sending you to your deaths.

*He rolls his eyes*

???: There are indeed, ways to defeat them. Several, in fact. And, if you actually turn the page, I have made sure to include notes on ways to do just that. Do you have no faith in me? I wouldn’t send you out there if I didn’t think you could handle it. And besides, I’ll die before I let those I have command over be killed. So, use your heads and trust me.

Subordinate 1: Eh, oh, yes, um, sorry about that. I’ll get started on trying to get the locals to wear these bell things - I think a local temple was selling then as charms.

Subordinate 3: I’ll see what I can do about finding safe houses, just in case the worst happens.

Subordinate 2: I’ll see about making sure that the people are away from the route that the creatures are taking. So long as they don’t get caught out on the streets, it should help to prevent the creatures from taking more lives. We may need to bump things up to a complete evacuation of the city if an all out purge is needed

???: Very well. You know what you need to do. Get moving and stay in touch. The moment you see any of the Jiangshi approaching, make sure to inform me. By then, I’ll have back up to help exterminate this ‘plague’. Dismissed!

All 3 Subordinates: YES SIR!

*As soon as there dismissed the communicator begins to ring*

???: *Flips open the communicator* X. What do you have for me.

Y: You should read caller ID at the top, my friend, hahah. X called me this morning and brought me up to speed on your plan. I’ll be able to gather everyone by noon, so leave that up to me! Just message me when you need the brunt of the force and what abilities you’ll need in the areas. I’ll do the rest.

???: Heh, should have known I could count on you guys to be on the ball. My apologies, Y. But I’m going to assume that X is there, too. I know he wouldn’t just run off after giving you the heads up. Let him know that I’ve got my minions started on limiting any casualties once the Jiangshi start getting too close. If all goes well, we won’t have to worry about any innocents while we deal with our little pest issue.

Y: Good, good. Keep them on there toes, I’ll be sending some of my men your way. As reinforcement, they may look scary, but they will guard the city with their lives. Anyway, enough talk. You’ll be seeing them by evening.

???: Heh, don’t worry. I doubt I’ll be scared of the backup. Make sure you do your part, and I’ll do mine. Until this evening, Y, X.

*Clicks the communicator off and gives a dark smirk as he clenches the communicator in his fist. A short while later, his personal device rings*

Little Flower: Hey… I’ve got a hangover and I don't remember anything, but, apparently, I called you last night. But, yeah, whatever I said, please forget it. Oh, ‘n I saw this thing… about a temple with a lot of foxes that run around: apparently it’s really cute. Wanna go sometime?  Also, I can tell from your breathing pattern: you’re pissed. You ok?

???: Ah...Just a few things that came up with a mission. A few dogs that really don’t know their place that need putting down. It looks like I’m going to be busy for a while rounding them up. So, if I don’t reply to you for a bit, it’s likely I’m just on the job. Once I’m done, remind me on about that temple. I’ll give you a reply then.

Little Flower: Damn... on your time off as well! Sorry ‘bout that. Try to rest if you can ‘n, if you play your cards right, I’ll give you one of my special massages next time I see you - I know it mellows you out for a bit, so... work hard, k? Also, there was this right fluffy one on the ad for the temple. It reminded me of you a little bit. It’s cute, but it had this kind of... smirk to it… Can foxes even smirk?

???:  Oh yes, they can. Didn’t you know? You’re in Japan, right? Did you know they have Nogitsune there? They loooove to play tricks. Watch yourself, honey.

Little Flower: What’s with you people and superstitions? Fox spirits aren’t real. They’re just folklore. Jeez.

???: Well, they do say that even myths have basis in reality. But come on, let me have my fun. I’m sure there’s….heh….no way you have a fox tricking you. Heheh.

Little Flower: Girl, bye! How can it trick me if it ain't real! But, yeah, I better not see your trolling self in cosplay with fluffy ears and a tail… Wait a minute! That would really sell! Scratch that: do it! I’ll get paid MILLIONS from your fangirls… 60-40, like usual, I promise.  

*She see dollar signs everywhere*

???: Uuuuuh huuuuuuh…..Welp, I’m afraid I have to cut this short. Like I said, I’m going to have a lovely time cutting down my new prey, so I’ll have to indulge in your fantasies some other time. I’ll save you a souvenir! Ciao.

Little Flower: Y-yeah bye! Be careful!!!

*The device cuts off. With a sigh, ??? turns his attention to the city and his expression shifts to one of a humourless smirk*

???: Well then...Let’s get started.

[END]