It is a beautiful day out on the high seas. The sun is shining, the wind is favorable, and the flying rats have kept mostly to themselves. The crystal clear blue water shimmers in the sunlight. Looking down, corals and schools of fish were easy to make out through the wake of the ship as it lazily sails along the coastline. Certainly more pleasant than some other voyages. Too bad that the purpose of this trip was not so pleasant. 

Rumor had it that a group of bandits--actually, pirates would be more accurate--were causing trouble for merchant vessels destined for Crescent Isle. They had even been so bold as to harass local fisherman and the tiny villages that dot the coastline. A heft reward had been offered for anyone willing to go and thwart the bandits before they do serious harm or grow in number. 

This wasn't the kind of the work Zarius was keen on. General do-goodery just wasn't his vibe, but the gold was enticing as his work abroad often led to empty pockets. Foreign informants were too expensive and he had little leverage since he was essentially a nobody outside of his normal circles. He leans against the rail and looks about the deck.

Heian's ship was a fine vessel. Much better than some smaller ships he had the displeasure of sailing aboard. He remembered to honor the rules Heian had laid out the first time he had stepped aboard. Don't look the crew in the eye and stay out of everyone's way. Simple. He is glad to have the opportunity to work with Heian on a job. He had a hunch that having him as an ally would prove to be a worthwhile investment with time. 

"So, Captain Heian, what do you think of the trouble we are sailing towards? Perhaps simply confronting them with your impressive ship will be enough to scare them off."

Zarius would be lying if he said he didn't find the idea of attacking wanna-be pirates in what he was sure was a legitimate pirate ship highly amusing.

Heian stood by the Bastion statue, staring at the coast line getting closer and closer. He was happy to work with Zarius again, the stronger their bond, the more likely he will join his little club. 
Hearing the question, Heian laughed loudly.
-Of course they will flee! And come back three seconds after we leave
He paused for a second.
-I'm more worried about what will happen if they won't. We got only one set of cannons and the crew won't help much
-It will be just us, you and blood everywhere else

Soon they docked in a small village bandits were lastly seen. No more than 15 houses, 5 smalleer boats and tiny port those were docked in. "Bastion" looked like it could swallow the whole place.
Heian and Zarius left the ship and entered "city" hall.
-We're hier for the bandits. When and where did they flee?
The sentence stopped villagers from praising and thanking the newcomers, qhich surely would happen judging by the fire in their eyes. An old man with an empty eye hole and a fresh wound around it silently showed the direction. Another villager described where lied one of their outposts.
-Great. Don't worry we will take care of them

When they left the village, Heian summoned Cerber. The grass around the appearing horse shrunk and started to smolder. The horse lied down, more like a dog than a horse, letting Heian sit. He pulled out a hand towards Zarius with a wide smile on his face.
-Want a ride, friend?

As they disembarked the ship at the town and Heian lead the conversation with the locals, Zarius looked around at the town. It seemed mostly intact, but there was evidence that the bandits had been causing a fuss. Broken windows, overturned barrels and crates, kicked in doors. Whoever these fools were, they were brazen. Zarius frowned a bit at that thought. Either these bandits were perpetually drunk, incredibly dumb, or confident no one would get in their way. If they were confident, where was that confidence stemming from?

Once Heian gets a direction from the locals, Zarius rejoins him and follows him out of the village. Heian casts some sort of magic or maybe he uses an item, but out of thin air appears a flaming steed. That was new. 

Zarius looks at Heian's outstretched hand. "Keep this up and someone will get the wrong idea about us." He jokes and hops on the back of the horse behind Heian. "So, you have a ship and a flaming horse. What's next? A dragon?" Another joke, but not unlikely.

Heian struck Zarius as the impulsive and eccentric type. Not a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination, there are uses for such people.Himself though, he had considered purchasing a beast of burden and a wagon, but ultimately decided against it. Too much hassle. Maybe one day he too would have such assets, but the timing wasn't right yet. There was still much work to do first. 

They set off down the road to the supposed outpost that the bandits were occupying. 

"We should approach with caution and confirm how many there are. Then we can come up with a strategy for how to approach the situation." Zarius suggests. "Unless you want to go in there horse blazing."

Heian laughed again. With Zarius nearby he was doing that more often than with anyone else.
-I once had a dragon, believe or not - jokes aside, the demon behind him was a great companion and let people believe what they want to believe
Cerber, despite the size, was a quick horse, if the advice they received was correct, they would stumble upon first scouts in about one hour.

The feeling was awesome, he really had to find some more time for Cerber. But the moment faded when Zarius reminded him what they came hier for.
-We will go slowly, don't worry. I didn't see you fighting yet so bursting in on full speed would be stupid of me. If we're at that, soon we will enter scouting zone and will have to get off the horse
They did so soon, with Cerber dissapearing just as he showed up, leaving a circle of smoldered plants. After a short talk they remained silent for the rest of their way, careful not to draw attention of potential enemies.

After uneventful 20 minutes they finally spotted an outpost in the distance. For now they couldn't see much, just a palisade and a singular, square based tower, made of wood as well. A gate just opened to release a squad of bandits and was now closing.

"Oh, I believe you. For only a fool would ever doubt the word of Heian." He teases. It was all in good fun and Heian seemed to respond positively to the friendly banter. Heian could take it and dish it back just as well too which was a nice change of pace. 

"I will say, do not expect much spell casting from me. I am best suited for getting up close and personal." He wasn't too worried, bandits tend to be simple folk and even those who are more organized are still a far cry from a trained militia or assassins. He was certain Heian could handle himself, even so, the faster and cleaner they could make this the better. 

He dismounts from Ceber and gives the flaming steed a pat on the shoulder, withdrawing his hand and shaking it out from the flames. Maybe no more touching the horse.

Once they spot the outpost, they take cover behind some trees to discuss the plan. The small group of four bandits was headed their way, likely going to go cause some mischief judging by their snickering and weapons clearly visible on their belts. 

Four was a good number, but they only really needed one for questioning on the situation inside the outpost. 

"What do you think? Should we follow them further from the watch tower and then jump them from behind? I would suggest one of use posing as a lone traveler, but our appearances might raise their suspicion." Sometimes it was frustrating to look so out of place all the time. It made acting like an innocent challenging. 

Heian laughed once again.
-I will just say, the best lie is the one that is the closest to the truth. Mixed with halftruths and more lies, until you make an irrecognizable goo
As they sat, observing the small group, Heian whispered a response.
-Then there's two of us. While I know a couple spells, you will often find me at close quarters
The group was rather close now, enough so that they could clearly see their looks. Not like they were important, one bandit wasn't very different from his neighbor, but they all seemed bored. That was not a raiding party.

The suggestion for one of them being a bait was a great idea. And indeed, none of them suited a common traveller role. But there were other roles too.
-I can go in as a possessed. You know, babbling something, ripping hair, this kind of stuff. I look rather rich for local standards, so they can even bring me into the outpost. We would have a couple options from that position, those being assasinating a leader, trying to kill them all in their sleep or burning the place down. I will let you decide, but we don't have much time

The group of bandits was now getting away. They still could draw their attention by circling them from the left.

- I will just say, the best lie is the one that is the closest to the truth. Mixed with halftruths and more lies, until you make an irrecognizable goo.

Zarius couldn't agree more with that sentiment up until the goo analogy. A good lie was a piece of art in itself, carefully crafted with keen attention to detail. 

Heian's plan was an amusing one. No doubt the half-demon man could pull off looking like a crazed traveler with ease and great effectiveness. He already was possessed in a way so he would make it more convincing than anyone else. Zarius certainly wanted to see such an act if only for the entertainment value. 

"I think we should lead this small group away from the outpost with your ruse. They would have to be pretty reckless to take a strange loon capable of who knows what into their base of operations. Even if they did take you inside, you would be on your own until I could find an alternative way in, and we know little of how many are in there."

He watches the bandits for a few more seconds. They were completely unaware that they were being watched. Their direction of travel suggests that they were not necessarily headed towards town, but perhaps to patrol elsewhere. It was strange, but they had little time to pursue that line of thinking further. 

"Let's follow them out of earshot of the outpost and then you can grab their attention with your performance. I will circle around to cut off their escape." He stands up from where he was crouched and looks at Heian with a smile. "Does that sound agreeable to you?"

-Yes commandir! - Heian saluted with two fingers. Then he took out his coat and gave it to Zarius. 
-Try not to steal everything, would you?
Now black dressed Heian proceeded to catch up with bandits. He sneaked, but didn't try to be silent. A singular twing breaking surely would draw their attention, while a constant rustle could be taken as some kind of animal.

Indeed, one of the bandits looked at where he was, but didn't bother to check. Without any suprises, Heian circled the bandits and saw an old sign post. Perfect.
He leaned on it, like he was drunk or sick and waited for bandits to approach. When Heian was certain he got spotted, a sign started to burn from a pile of leaves he gathered beneath, and lighted with flint he borrowed from villagers. Then he jumped back, like the fire suprised him and looked around, "checking" if no one spotted the "accident".

He freezed for a second, looking at bandits, and started running away. But after a couple meters faked a trip and waited for them to approach.
-No, don't touch me! I'm a danger, no, please, pull it ou, pull it out of meeeeEEE
His voice became high pitched, soon turning into howling, accompanied by realistically looking shivering. 
He spotted Zarius in the distance and gave a signal to Wood. Heian's voice went down, turning from almost screaming into a silent praise. With Wood speaking at the same time, creating an effect no one could mimic. 
-Pullitoutpullitoutpullitout...
-(Stop resisting. Your fighting will only make suffering longer) [translated from demonic]

Zarius looks at the coat. He hadn't considered stealing anything until Heian brought it up. Now he was tempted to do it just to spite him. Maybe later. He bundles the coat up with his satchel and stashes them behind a tree out of sight from the path for the time being.

He follows the group from a safe distance, moving as quietly as he can through the underbrush. Crouching behind the bushes, he watches as the bandits approach Heian. It was difficult to keep from laughing at Heian's performance and the reaction from the group of four bandits.

The bandits pause and arrange themselves in a line like they're trying to look more intimidating. They exchange uncertain looks between one another as Heian starts shouting. One steps closer with a hand on his sword. 

"Hey, buddy. What are you-"

At that point the demonic words ring out. the bandit jumps back and draws his weapon.

"Ginma be damned, this guy is possessed!"

The other goons draw their weapons and prepare to fight whatever was taking over Heian. 

"What do we do?" The scrawniest of the bandits looks panicked at the situation and he doesn't notice Zarius creeping up behind him. "Should we cu-" His sentence is cut off as Zarius gets him in a headlock and cuts off his windpipe with his forearm pressed tightly against his neck. The bandits flails but cannot escape Zarius' grip as he chokes him out. 

The other bandits whip around in surprise at the sudden ambush sprung upon them and prepare to attack. 

With Zarius starting a fight, Heian dropped the act. They probably needed some bandits alive, so he went into good old brawl style combat.

The first targetted bandit didn't manage to pull out his axe yet and turned towards the newcomer. Heian eliminated him with a singular hook blow. The next one heard something behind ant turned back, just to receive another hook. But he stood the ground and replied with a vertical sword cut, followed by a horizontal one soon after. There was no opportunity to finish the second blow however, because Heian released a powerful elbow, supported by an entire body. The bandit collapsed.

The last bandit tried to run away in outpost's direction. While Zarius took care of the remaining three, Heian dropped his weapons and ran after the escaping one.

The bandit was clearly overwhelmed by the recent events, making the chase rather easy. Heian straighten his breath and step, quickly catching up to fleeing person. The terrain was not very tricky, but the chased somehow managed to trip, making the job even easier.

Heian put a lever on the bandit, blocking both his hands with one of his own and using second one to catch his neck. Then he brutally picked the bandit up and carried him to Zarius.

-Hier's the last one. What now, boss?

Zarius drops the goon he chokes out and is ready to rumble. But by the time the goon falls unconscious, most of the other bandits are already laid out on the ground. 

He blinks and looks at Heian who is hauling the last one back over. "You sure made fast work of that lot." He comments with a laugh. He didn't mind that there was less work for himself. Keeping Heian occupied with beating up goons was probably best for their continued partnership. 

"I am not your boss." He reminds Heian. "Let us clear the road of the others and take this fine gentleman for a bit of a walk. His screaming might alert others to our presence."

With that, they drag the unconscious ones into the bushes out of sight from the road then they take the goon to a quiet area after scooping their belongings back up. The bandits thrashes in Heian's grip. 

"Let me go you demons! You'll pay for this! I swear you'll pay!"

"Oh, yes, yes, do tell us more." Zarius waves his hand dismissively then walks around Heian as he holds the bandit still. He grabs a hold of the bandit's hand. "The more you talk the easier this will be on you, and the less messy for us."

"I ain't telling you no-" Crack "AAAAAH!" The bandit screams in pain as Zarius bends one of his fingers back until it snaps. 

"Hm? What was that? I think you were going to tell us about that outpost you came out of recently." 

The bandit pants and breaks out in a cold sweat. "N-no-" Crack "AAAAH!" Another finger snaps. 

"Try again."

"Y-you'll pay for this! The c-Clasp isn't to be messed with! When...when the boss finds out about this, you're dead meat!"

Zarius tilts his head and racks his brain for any familiarity with that name. It didn't ring a bell. He looks at Heian. 

"Does that sound familiar to you?"

Neither Heian nor Wood didn't recognize the name. The person behind it must have appeared in the region recently.
-We don't know the guy. Hold our guest please, maybe I'll have more luck
Thdy switched places. Zarius left his coat somewhere, so he had to interrogate manually.
-Before we begin asking questions let me answer some of yours. My name is Heian, the voice you heard is called Wood. Unlike you, we have plenty of time to spend. The demon behind you is not known from his patience, so the sooner you will unravel your secrets, the less broken you will leave this place. Understood?
-To hell with yo... - he couldn't finish, due to Heian's hand entering his mouth. The interrogator tilted his head, with a wide smile. His voice still being almost friendly.
-How attached are you to your teeth? Ironically they are one of the most vulnerable places. I saw people tearing them out or cracking with a tiny hammer. And people were breaking, they sang like in a church. But both of those methods are as painful as sawing. Hold his head if you would be so kind

Heian slowly pulled out his sword, with a theatrical grind against its sheath. Bandit's eyes widened, seeing the scene that could soon happen.
-Ffine! I fill fpeafk! - The bandit's words were slurred due to his mouth being forcefully opened. Wood could detect potential lies, so they basically won already.
-Good boy. Now tell me, where is your boss currently and does he receive visitors?

Zarius keeps a firm hold on the bandit as Heian works. None of this phased him, in fact it was fairly tame compared to what he'd seen back home. 

The bandit squirms, but his efforts are futile. His eyes go from defiant to fearful to desperate. They got him.

"L-look. The big boss man ain't here, okay? Never met him, orders just appear out of nowhere and we do them."

"Some random orders show up and you just follow them unquestioningly?"

"Y-you don't get it. Everyone is skeptical at first, but if you don't follow through on the orders then you just disappear without a trace."

"You sure those who disappeared are not just leaving because they doubt your phantom leader?"

"Not unless they leave without any of their clothes."

"What do you mean?"

"Those who don't follow through on the orders literally disappear man! Dave questioned things and didn't follow orders. Next day, BAM! Dave's gone and his clothes are just a pile on the ground at his post."

"Hm. And these orders, they are letters?"

"Y-yeah, they appear next to whoever is supposed to carry them out."

Zarius looks at Heian. "A teleporting paper trail is still a paper trail. We should take a closer look at those letters."

He then turns his attention back to the bandit. "How many are there in that outpost?"

"W-wait, if I tell you then I might disappear too!"

"Do you not think that you would have already done so if it was going to happen?"

"I-I don't know! B-but I don't want to risk it!"

"Oh, so you would like to instead risk Heian here adding to his teeth collection?"

The bandit looks at Heian in fear. "O-okay, there was only a handful of us, less than a dozen okay??"

"Would you like to be more specific?"

"I-I-gahck! A-" Suddenly the bandit vanishes from Zarius' grip. He jumps back and the bandits clothes fall to the ground, the armor thudding into the dirt. 

"What the...? Huh...he was not exaggerating."

As the bandit disapeared, Heian smiled widely. They managed to learn exactly what they needed.

-Go get my things if you would be so kind, I need to stay hier for now. Once you're back I will tell you something potentially useful

There were a few implications of his discovery that had to be taken under consideration, and Zarius was sent away mainly to get some time alone and think.

When the demon was back with his clothing, Wood smiled to him.

-I think I've got this, we know everything we need to get those bandits

Heian quickly explained, what they discovered.

-Our unlucky bandit didn't just vanish. He got teleported to another place and I got the general direction. Without getting into details, Wood felt the moving soul, following the moved body, which, considering the clothes left over hier, means that either we will fight with an amateur mage, or a really mental one. More so than me or Wood

As Heian was talking, he wore back his coat. Nothing seemed to be missing.

-So now all we have to do is follow Wood's intuition and bust into the first larger camp on our way

He summoned Cerber back and gestured at Zarius to get on.

Zarius raises his eyebrow but doesn't argue. He goes and fetches Heian's coat and returns shortly afterwards. Heian seemed to have some revelation on the situation, so for the time being he would trust the weird half-demon man's intuition. 

He listens to Heian's explanation after returning his coat to him. Teleportation. He had to admit, he hadn't considered it. There still was the question of where exactly the bandits were being teleported to, and also how the caster knew when to teleport someone. He hadn't noticed any animals or people hiding in the bushes around them, so he doubted they were being spied on. 

A mage more mental than Heian or Wood was a concerning thought. Heian was an ally after all, and this mage likely would not be so friendly given the fear they had instilled in these pathetic excuses for bandits.

"If you think a frontal assault is the best move, then I will follow your lead." He nods and hops on Cerber as he appears.

With that, the two set off down the road to hopefully put an end to the bandits and their mischief for good.