Conquest Horizon

As soon as they were done, the Destroyer of Hopes and Dreams™ left to Balitmare, as Phobia was grinning for a good while. Mostly for more metal, parts and things for him to work with in crafting more golems. Or to let Nowa to start selling things he couldn’t use, like their cargo.

They passed through the borders of Equestria and Arabia, mostly due to the change of the ground before them from sand to stone and slow lush of life as they were heading on the eastern side. Dodging patrols as far as they could until they reached upwards to the city of Baltimare. Granted they had to allow patrols to give them a check through, but once they accept the passes they quickly head to dock into the docking bay of Baltimare itself.

Already Phobia was taking in the precaution of being in Equestria. While he wasn’t going to do any invasion...he didn’t want to tip the being of Chaos he was here...then again, as long as he didn’t start anything, it should be fine. However with the sight of stone, steel, and buildings of Baltimare within the sight of the Stripe through the glass window of the bridge?

It reminded him of... well, partially reminded him of the Isles. Granted it wasn’t the same, but he could imagine this as where the Eastern Cornerstone was. “Its...unique.” was all he said, as Scrappy was looking at it as the mechanical-wolf stated.

“I detect that there are potential multiple areas for you to gather scraps, through legals or illegal means of scrap yards, as well as potential scraps or items that are left on the ground for you to grab, Phobia.” then soon added. “I shall attain my pouches to be equipped when we are able to scavenge and gather materials for your needs.”

Phobia sighed...but there was a smile on his face as he patted the robotic wolf head as he said. “That...might be nice to do while we stock up on a few things, Scrappy.” He glance to Nowa as he suggested. “A week worth of staying? Mostly to sell off what we can before heading to the next place?”

Shaking her head, Nowa told, “selling goods in Equestria is a bit more tricky than arabia, Phob’s. While Kan and I got a fancy warrant paper fer it, it still ain’t easy. A week would be too short to do all the needed work to sell things.” Thinking on it, Nowa told, “Kan and I need to find a buyer that will take the stocks and not ask too much. Give us two weeks to be safe, Kan’s good as gold, but some of these ponies can be slicker than some of the slimeballs in Arabia’s gutters.”

Thinking over that, Scrappy spoke in. “Two weeks would also allow Sieg and Book to assist on the filly to find this Rosy within a large place like this. As well as ample time for you to gather scraps, items, or things that might be litter around in this place.” the stripe thought over it as while he wouldn’t mind it...he could also gain something he couldn’t gain before.

Strong booze, or rather...strong booze for himself and for a specific occasion as he soon nodded and said. “That I can work with.” then stretch a bit as he said to Scrappy. “Go get the thing on...it's time for me to explore the place like Stripe for once.” then consider something, and glance to Nowa as he asked in caution. “Are there going to be any guards coming by with a warrant to check in my ship?”

Shaking her head and maneuvering the ship towards the docs, Nowa told, “don’cha worry your head. Once we’re down, let Kan do her magic with the papers an’ they’ll keep off. We made sure we got that figured before even thinkin’ of setting hoof on land.”

Nodding a bit, as Scrappy was off to gather the needed item, Phobia asked. “Should I expect anything here like in Arabia, or worse?” never really been in Equestria before...and feeling a bit cautious on what might be expected, or trouble he should face.

To that Nowa shook her head and brushed at her blue mane. “I try keepin’ out of Equestria. But fer the most part, most ponies are friendly as can be-- long you don’t spook ‘em or give ‘em a reason to get angry. They all can geet scared or moody if you scare or anger one of them.” Then shortly explained, “herd mentality.”

“But don’t go thinkin’ all of them are just softies.” Told the mare seriously. “Some of them can’ be pretty clever or even downright brutal. I’ve been to a few cities, the ones you watch out for most? Business types, what few muggers they got an’ maybe the gangs-- if they got any.”

Nodding a bit, he said. “So treat most like zebras, but don’t trust them if I don’t like them.” then hum. “Might be best to carry knives and flintlocks, no need for the grenade launcher.” as his ear flick to see Scrappy back...only to have pouches upon pouches on his back, chest, and sides as Scrappy informed.

“I am ready for gathering of anything useful, creator.” It almost looks like the mechanical dog was expecting to carry anything the Stripe found in the pouches.

Waving a hoof, Nowa moved and told, “you two have fun.” Smiling and going on, “I got a gal to meet up with and start plottin’ on how to get the next big bag o’ bits.” Smiling widely at the mere concept of more money.

Rolling his eyes, both he and Scrappy were starting to make their way out of the bridge, as they passed by golems as Scrappy look up, seeing Phobia having a slight smile on his face as Scrappy was feeling pleasant that he would be once more gathering scraps with his creator. He recalled in his databanks of days of old, where he was required to carry anything the Stripe found, or could find among other Stripes.

Perhaps there will be a bountiful of things, as unlike in Arabia or in the holds? Maybe the ponies toss things away, or left them out to be dumped? It would improve his creator mood, especially more when it’s just the single stripe gathering things and no other Stripe grabbing the same thing.

As the two passed by various golems, going down the stairways and halls until they reached the exit of the ship. Which leads to the docking bay as the two glance around as Phobia muttered. “Really does feel like I’m back in the Isles…” Scrappy merely glance around as he started to take everything in his optics side. The Stripe didn’t took too long in looking at the city, as Phobia quickly began to start his walking, wanting to do what a Stripe was honestly good at.

Finding scraps and anything of use for him to craft inventions or to salvage.

The madman had to admit, it was partially...odd to be among equines at the near height of zebras, as the ponies seem to move around the two as they delved into the streets of Baltimare. While some ponies gave glances to Scrappy, or to Phobia, they mostly ignored the two as Phobia spoke. “How long until we run into trouble you think?”

Scrappy thought over it as the mechanical wolf calculated as he spoke low. “Unknown.” Phobia nod, as he patted the head as he grinned out further as they turned into an alleyway as he remarked in delight.

“Fine by me. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” already knowing that despite the unknown of what Baltimare held, he and his mechanical companion will find anything that will be useful for him in the future. Even if they had to beat down any trouble in their way.

Sieg glance to Remedy in his pegasus disguise, as he and Book were with the filly as they didn’t know what to expect. For Sieg it was due to never coming by here before, and for Book it was due to not being around other ponies for years. She was partially concerned with the collar around her neck...and on what Camous would of done with her ‘persuading’ of spirits around here, and what that help would entail.

But for now? They just had to keep near Remedy as they seek the one known as Rosy Thistle.

Remedy herself kept close to the two adults, mostly listening to the ghostly whispers of Camous that they could not hear. While the filly did live around these parts at one point, she was too young to actually remember much. Camous on the other hoof, had been here plenty time in her long life and knew where to go.

Whenever there was a new street or new building though, she was more than happy to ask/bully a lost or wandering spirit on which way to go. But with so many ponies, it was a little hard to find Rosy Thistle. Their trails lead them all over the large city, getting more and more deeper into the city that was both clean-- and sometimes dirty.

As of yet, only a few ponies gave looks to Book and her collar. A few seemed to even recognize it and eye her just a bit. While others hardly even blinked like it was anything new. Though passing a group of ponies about her age and dressed in an assortment of clothes and styles, she did spot one wearing a dog collar. It almost made the unicorn come to a halt to turn and stare at the sight.

But she hardly had the time and just kept walking with Sieg and a leading Remedy. Still, the sights of all these ponies and looking so different at nearly every turn…

It's so...different. thought Book as she kept herself near Sieg, nearly pressing herself against him as she felt his wing around her. While there were familiarity of Arabia with the stone covering everywhere, there were also so much diversity here compared to the sandy lands of the south. Even more with the varieties of ponies of unicorns, pegasus, or even earth stock.

Sieg could feel her emotions swirling around, as he kept her close, having a rough idea that this was all new to Book. Being among ponies again since her young age. Or rather in such large amounts. He kept an eye around both her and Remedy, as while he was certain his disguise work, he also was on guard if anything were to happen while they were being partially lead by Remedy, who was lead by Camous.

They both almost came to a full stop when Remy made a turn for an alleyway, one that was a bit darker due to the many skyscrapers that helped hide what could lay inside. The filly followed Camous out of innocent trust, the same trust the two adults did not have in full.

Still, they pushed forwards and followed the filly for at least her safety, even if the alleyway slightly made the older unicorn nervous. It also made sieg be on a high alert on the slightly tighter way back they were along into, trash and litter all over the ground.

A few times they would cross a number of different graffiti made art. Some sharp and without means, some a bit… obscene and others being of skulls or bone depictions. It didn’t exactly call out ‘friendly’.

Book glance over as it made her question on how some ponies just made such things. Or why.

Sieg partially ignore the vandalism on the walls, as he was more focus on emotions around them. Using his wing to hold his unicorn in safety for her assurance. While he also felt the easiness of Remedy, as she didn’t seem to be bothered by all around her, or not paying attention due to Camous to keeping her focus. Something which Sieg was partially thankful for, mostly because he really didn’t want the filly to see the ‘art’ on the walls.

Book tried to keep herself at ease, but with how the alleyway were and being reminded of Arabia, she felt on edge.

Going through a few more twists and turns that could turn just about anypony round, they eventually reached the end and into the open of a fairly abandoned area and open lot. Not too far off a fairly sizable warehouse was spotted, one that had a few ponies about it minding their own business.

With some excitement, Remy said, “Camous says we’re close!” Jittering in place while they approached the half-deserted area. The concrete ground was a bi rough, even having a few pot-holes around filled with the muck and water. And there was just as much graffiti about the area too, mostly of some bones that made an outline of a pony skellington.

Both Book and Sieg traded unsure looks while heading for the slightly roughed up warehouse, the ponies sitting on boxes and crates or the ground glancing to notice them. Each having dark cloths and an assortment of kinds. Beanie hats, hoodies, sweatshirts, maybe some bling.. But most had a black-and-white theme to their clothes, and a bandana that was either tied around their heads or around their necks portraying a set of sharpened fangs.

The faux pony could easily tell they were all part of a gang, and the three were in a gang turf. While Book push herself close to Sieg, feeling on edge even more as she felt like she was in a dirt-pile of Arabia turf again. Sieg however glance with his good eye as the few were absently playing with things, tapping a bat on the ground, flicking a chain in their hooves while passively watching them up close.

Sieg almost consider giving them a glare to back off, but held it. Mostly because they were just passing by, as long as they don’t cause trouble for the gang...the gang should ignore them...Unless of course, there were idiots among the gangs.

Much to Books cringe, Remedy walked right up to the nearest gang member that looked at her with a raised brow. With that ever so innocent naive, the filly asked, “Is Rosy Thistle here?” Making the mare blink.

With a questioning tone, the mare asked, “is a Rosy Thistle here?” Getting a nod from the filly. With an amused smirk, the mare asked, “Hey Jet’s, you know a ‘Rosy Thistle?’” Half mocking the name to a nearby pegasus.

The stallion thought and said with a shake of his head, “Nope, Never heard of a ‘Rosy Thistle’.” Then looked to Remedy half baby-speaking, “did u an’ u pawents get lost widdle baby?” The other’s chuckled or laughed as he said, “Buzz off, the daycare is the other way!”

Sieg held a flat look, as if he wanted to go up and smack the stallion for being stupid...But decided to let this play out, mostly because he had a good feeling these lot were going to regret their words, as Book felt concern and asked to Remedy. “Are you sure she's here, Remedy?”

Turning to look back, Remy said with a nod, “she is. Camous is sure.” then turned back and said, “can you at least ask-- pleeeeeease?” Giving a big smile.

Snorting, a unicorn with a slightly cracked horn told, “get lost brat, there’s no Rosy Thorn here.” Waving the ponies off.

Thinking in thought, a dark pink yong mare with a slightly more glittering set of eyes thought out and said, “actually…. Why don’t we ask?” Getting looks as she told her pals, half pulling back her frizzy mane and fixing her beanie hat and short sleeved shirt. “I mean… can’t hurt to ask the rest inside, right?” A slight realization seeming to…. Half tick in the other’s minds.

With a smile that was more than false to Sieg, but also looking fairly honest taken at face value, the young mare backed up and busted the large warehouse door open some and motioned, “come on, take a seat, we can ask around to make sure Rosy’s around, sound cool?”

While Book glance to Remedy, feeling uncertain if this was the right choice, Sieg ease her as he whisper in her ear. “Its alright..things may not look great, but I think we can make it out in one piece.” Book took a low breath, as while she wanted to say no? She had to forcefully remind herself that Sieg was strong, and could use magic, like she could...Not to mention if they were in trouble, Remedy will let Camous out in case if the filly was in danger.

So with a resolved expression, she walked with the faux pegasus along with the filly as Sieg inwardly admit that he would feel better with at least a golem by them...but knew that they had to make do with what they got right now and hope that they would actually find this Rosy Thistle.

The inside… was a dump. Well, not a complete dump, from the looks of it, a few of the gang were charged with trash duty and keeping the place clean. But it was not the picture of a great house. Not to mention a bit crowded with how many ponies were around, most of which being young adults.

When they entered, they were easily noticed by the many, and even Sieg felt an edge with so many arms available to fight. Granted, they were just punks. He was sure he could handle them. He was military and had a vastly large amount of experience.

Stopping the center of the large warehouse with improvised banks and upper-floors, the young mare that lead them in called out, “Attention~” Making sure she had all eyes on them. “Are any of you called ‘Rosy Thistle’ by chance?” Looking around and watching each seemingly look about. “No? No one?” Then teased out, “Nopony has a sissy name of Rosy?”

While there were a few snickers about the room, a number of shaking heads shown all around as the mare that lead them in turned to the three and told, “Sorry, no go. Aint a single pony here called Rosy Thistle…” Then eyed them before saying, “but… we can’t just let you leave.” Smiling like a cheshire cat. “What do you say, ten bits and you get out just fine?”

Only for another to shout, “leave the bits, and they can leave!” Getting a few cheers to that idea. “Yeah, drop the bits and get outta here!” “We’ll pubble you in the ground!” Making Remedy flinch a bit and back up to the two adults some, hoof to crystal for comfort.

“Counter offer.” flatly spoke Sieg as he look to them. “How about you take this and consider us gone.” tossing a copper shilling as he was whispering to the two. “Stay close.” already thinking of teleporting all three of them out of the warehouse, granted he’ll need to remove his disguise, but there was nothing that could be done. Especially since Book doesn’t know how to teleport yet.

Plus he partially doubt Remedy could summon up Camous with a scene...then again the filly could summon up the demoness if things became too hot.

Glancing down, the mare flicked her glittering eyes up and asked, “a piece of copper?” Looking like she wanted to laugh, “This a joke, right?” Then called out, “They want to give flat piece of copper so they could leave!” Getting a bunch of jeers and laughs all around as the mare said, “Uh, no, this is like…. A bogus deal.” Placing a hoof to herself and telling, “and I know bogus deals when I--”

“WHAT'S WITH THE RACKET DOWN THERE!!!” Everyone flinched from the fairly angry scream from overhead as a door slammed open. “I am trying to get some bucking sleep, after a bucking long night and I am ready to rip the next boneheads horn, wings, mane, tail-- or EVEN TEETH, out if you don't, SHUT UP!!”

The gang seem to wince at the volume more than the threat, but from the looks of it, they were pretty worried about the threats too. Looking up, the mare that had tricked them in called, “Sorry boss! We’ll keep it down while mugging these ponies!”

Yelping and jumping back some, the young mare nearly landed on by a thestral with the brightest pink mane Sieg had ever seen, one that was in near complete contrast to her dark grey coat. It made the just as pink wings stand out greatly as the mare rounded on the pony. “Who told you that you can mug anyone in our house.” Then poked the mare’s chest, “You’re smarter than that. Bloodstains are a pain to just scrub out.”

Rounding on the three, the thestrals eyes were sharply analyzing them and snarling, “Okay, what did you bozo’s want, huh?”

To that one of the ponies told, “Fade said they were looking for a Rosy Thistle.” Making a few chuckles go around.

‘Fade’ nodded and said, “Yup, but I knew there wasn’t one, so I figured we could get a few bits and--” Then never finished as she was placed in a headlock by the Gang boss.

“Fade, I like you.” Told the mare. “You’re a smart kid. And that’s saying something with all these idiots I have.” Then with a hoof once patting the young mare’s head, it soon pressed hard down and noogied the yelping pony going ‘owowowowowowowowow--!’, and the boss grinding out, “But I’m Rosy Thistle, you numbskull!”

Book blinked as she...honestly expected a unicorn, or somepony of garden expertise...not a thestral gang boss. Sieg was also surprise at this as he remarked. “This is one of the few rare times I’m pleasantly surprised.” then glance to Book as the faux stallion motioned to the copper coin, Book horn slightly glow to take it to bring it back to him as he spoke to the thestral.

“Hello ma’am. We’re here to assist this filly on finding you.”

Letting go of the young mare that was holding her head in slight pain and giving slight tears, ‘Rosy Thistle’ gave the two a look and said. “Filly? Who’s this kid you’re talking about.” Then flatly told, “and around here? I’m called Spur, remember it and you might keep your teeth in your mouth.”

Peeking out from under Book, Remedy asked nervously, “b-but… don’t you like you’re name?” Drawing the thestrals yellow eye to the filly.

Blinking a few times, Spur said, “wait a minute…” Leaning down to get a good look at the nervous filly. There was a slight smile as she said, “hey, I recognize you.” Then laughed, “you’re the squirt I used to change diapers for!” Then seemed to realize something and turned, shouting with the volume of a loudspeaker, “YOU MORONS, THIS IS THE KID I TOLD YA NOT TO MESS WITH IF HER OR HER MA CAME HERE!!!” Making them all scramble for any cover there was. Though it did make Spur stop and turn saying, “wait, where is Blaze?”

Book held a sad look as she said. “That's...why we are here, R-- Spur.” quickly correcting the name as she said. “Blazing...told her to find you if anything happens to her.”

Eyes darting to the filly and back up to the mare, Spur said in a slightly subdued manner, “oh.” Seeming lost for words before saying with a hoof rubbing the back of her head, “well… damn…” Twisting her face some and grunted out, “she did ask me to be the kids godparent if something like that happened while looking for those ponies.” Then huffed, “must of gotten in big trouble while looking for that Book.”

“She...did.” said the unicorn as she gave a somber smile. “But in a sense...she found me, just not in a usual means, Spur.” then introduce herself. “I’m Book, Book Mark...and I’m technically Remedy aunty.”

Blinking and looking between both filly and mare, Spur snorted to the side and said, “so the crazy mare did find you. I’ll admit, I had doubts.” Then looked to Remy as she came out. With a softer smile, Spur told, “relax kid, you have nothing to worry about. Your mom and me? We were tight.” Then smirked and motioned, “just stick with Big Sis Rosy and you’ll be fine.” Then told firmly, “but when we’re out of the house, I’m Spur, got it?”

Nodding quickly, Remy said, “O-ok.” Forgetting just how scary the thestral could be.

Smiling and rolling her eyes, Spur told, “good. Now get over here so I can get a good look at you, been years and last I saw you, you were just getting out of diapers!” Making the filly blush in embarrassment and wander closer-- yelping as she was scooped into a hug. She soon giggled at being poked and prodded, Spur saying, “and you’re still ticklish.”

“Hey!” Shouted the filly that giggled away and laughed.

Book couldn’t help but smile at the sight, giggling a bit as she placed a hoof on her lips. Sieg slightly smile at the sight, but soon asked the thestral. “I don’t mean to interrupt this tender moment…” then motioned a hoof around as he asked with a raised brow. “But are we still going to be mugged by your gang, or are we free to leave, Spur?”

Stopping and lifting a hoof to wave them off, Spur told, “yeah, yeah, you can get lost. You got Blaz’s kid here in one peice.” Going on while eyeing them, “and since you don’t look too banged up, I’d say Camous was fine with you, so I’m fine with you.”

Smiling up, Remy said, “Camous likes Book, and I do too. She’s really nice and the best aunty ever!”

Chuckling, Spur said, “really?” Then looked at the two before asking, “hey, mind doing me a favor? I kinda need it done if I want to make sure Rem’s here gets what she needs.” then rolled her eyes, “Don’t need Blaze’s undead spirit to haunt my ass because I wasn’t doin’ my job right as a ‘guardian’ to her girl.”

“What's the favor?” asked Sieg as part of him partially consider it was picking up a few things for the thestral.

“I need a letter sent to my half-brother.” Told Spur. “I’d go myself, but it’s a big trip. Gotta go to canterlot to deliver it, and I don’t trust these numbskulls here to do it right, and I don’t trust the postal service at all.” She eyed the two and told, “if you can wait a bit longer, I'll write the letter up and hoof it over.” Then said, “you make sure he gets it, and if anyone else reads it? I’m coming after you both and beating you down until there ain’t a place there isn’t a bruise.”

There was a nervous laugh as Book said. “We’ll...get it to him. What's his name?” Sieg partially consider that...going to Canterlot was both good and bad. Good because they could see what happen since the...issue with changelings.

Bad because not only the Princess’s will notice the ship, but also Discord could be anticipating them...as well as Herr Phobia could be wanting a good scope of the place. Over all he saw a lot of cons to this. But...if it also meant that Remedy could live peacefully, as well as Camous not coming after them? Sieg was certain they could do it...provided they could reach there by train instead of airship.

Mostly because of the name of the ship could be a red flag to the Princess’s of Herr Phobia intentions...unless Discord didn’t already warned them.

With a firm nod, Spur said, “I’ll make sure you have some directions and address too… so you don’t get lost.” Then looked down and ruffled Remy’s mane before telling, “I’ll show you around the place kid. Just give me a moment to make sure these two can find that half-brother of mine.” Rolling her eyes at the mere mention of him. “Ugh…. can’t believe I have to letter him.” Then with an opening of her leathery wings, gave a strong flap and was shooting straight up to supposedly where her room was. While the remaining gang shuffled in their hiding places, peeking out to make sure Spur was indeed gone for now.

While the two waited, with Book taking a calm breath, Sieg glance over the gang members with his good eye, he couldn’t help but retort. “You know...you should be glad that things went peacefully like that. Even more, you didn’t try to beat us up.” giving a brief snort as he shook his head. “Don’t know what Spur would do if she found out you basically hurt family...probably wish you were dead after she was done.”

Fixing her hat and making sure her head stopped aching from the rough treatment, Fade told, “yeah, well… you don’t mess with Spur. She’s like… even scarier than those monsters in the everfree!”

“Hrm...she almost remind me of a drill sergeant with that voice. Good vocals too.” comment Sieg as the unicorn slightly shook her head, although there was an eased smile as she looked to Remedy as she said.

“I’m just glad we found Blazing friend, Remy.” then admitted as she glanced around. “Although...it is a bit dirty...it looks like it’s a scrap yard.” Sieg nodded as he agreed.

“It does look like a mess...then again organization might not be a high priority for most of them beside Spur.”

With a slight thump, Spur was once more on the ground and holding a letter out while flatly saying, “keeping these idiots in line isn’t easy. But for the most part, this dump is cleaner than most others.” Then half said back in a growl, “it would be so much more cleaner if they didn’t laze off when I wasn’t around.” Getting the message out that since she wasn’t resting anymore-- they better get to work.

And work they did. Leaving their hiding places and grabbing what cleaning supplies they had. It made her snort out and tell, “Don’t worry. With me, Remy’s going to get the life she needs. No way I’m letting Blaze’s kid be one of these numbskulls. Be a waste.”

Book giggle a bit, as she looked to the filly with a smile as she said. “Take care Remy.” then asked with an open foreleg. “One more hug?” feeling her tackle-hug her as she had to lean on Sieg, as both heard a cute, ‘I’m going to miss you aunty!’ While the unicorn nuzzle her, Sieg smile down, then took the letter with a hoof to inform Spur.

“We’ll be heading out as soon as possible, although it will be a while since we came by ship...So we’ll be around maybe for two weeks-- maybe leave early if possible…” then soon added to forewarn. “However a warning, if you see a strange lean looking diamond dog with a metal arm and a strange mechanical beast by his side? Stay away from him. He's the one that helped us brought Remy here...and does not like it if you mess with him. As long as you don’t bother him? He won’t bother you.”

Nodding, Spur told, “yeah, yeah, sure. I’ll make sure the numbskulls know.” Then rolled her eyes, “but knowing the morons, something is bound to go wrong somehow.”

Elsewhere~

Phobia was sure he struck a goldmine nobody would mind he’d pick at. He was sure that this place would be fairly simple to get a few things and just go. And even now, he found a fair amount of nice things, like a burnt out toaster that could be fixed up in a jiffy!

But… that didn’t workout as planned. For one, it turned out he wandered into gang territory. Two, they were not easily scared off. Thee: despite being idiots, they were pretty persistent and determined to keep him out-- AND to get back any stuff he lifted off of their turf.

They were like some twisted mix of Zebra body, Stripped possessiveness and Spotted stupidity!

“GAH! Stupid, stupid, stupid!” cursed out Phobia, as he dodged a glass bottle, as apparently glass bottles were all they were throwing with him and Scrappy moving out of range of baseball bats, broken pipes, wooden boards, chains and improvised weapons as he called out. “You don’t even use this stuff, why the Markings do you want it!?” feeling more angry that even if they don’t even use the stuff they tossed out-- they still wanted it!

It made no sense, why keep it if they weren’t using it and was ‘junk’ to them!?

Why didn’t I bring my grenades?! quickly moving with Scrappy as the mechanical wolf pouches shifted with the added weight in them as while he wasn’t bothered by it, it did changed his speed and nimbleness to a low with the weight on him. As Scrappy was analyzing the situation as they needed to retreat out of here, but the organics were making it hard for them.

He consider sending a signal to grab the golems, but remove that as Scrappy analyzing the toaster as he spoke. “Remove toaster, they seem to be wanting that. Removing it will increase our chances of escaping.”

Gritting his teeth, Phobia swore he’ll come back for the goldmine he found-- or go to another potential gold mine as he held the toaster up and shouted. “Come near me and I’ll toss this on the ground!” proving his threat as he threw it hard with his mechanical arm. As soon as he tossed the thing, the gang were diving to make sure the Toaster didn’t get more broken as he quickly ran with Scrappy as he asked.

“We got enough for now, right?!”

“Negative, we only have 32% increase of usables for you, creator. There are still many empty pouches on me.” However he added. “However, we have enough to increase our chances of speed escape from lower organic lifeforms.”

“Good enough!” told Phobia, moving faster as he and the mechanical wolf were rushing out of the area and out of the gang turf as once they were far enough, the two stopped as he huffed in annoyance. “Honestly, it was just a damned Toaster!? Why get so riled up on that?”

Relooking through his memory, Scrappy soon analyzed the image of the toaster as he soon said. “Unknown. Toaster suggested it was beaten up, and burnt. Illogical reasonings of lower organic lifeforms desire of Toaster. Perhaps gang members are primitives in their brains.”

Snorting, Phobia motioned Scrappy to follow as he was grumbling a bit as while they were heading back to the ship, Scrappy noticed both Sieg and Book coming out from an alleyway without Remedy as Scrappy questioned. “Have you found this ‘Rosy Thistle’?” getting both to look as Book nodded.

“Yes Scrappy...we found her and are doing a favor for her of sending a letter…” then glance to the two as she asked. “What happened?”

“I’ll tell you what happen! Stupid gangs around here chased us for a toaster-- a damned burnt toaster! It makes no sense!” the two equines gave looks to the other and to Phobia as Sieg asked.

“Did they have anything of importance, Herr Phobia? Looks, things on them?”

Snorting, Phobia told. “They got black and white clothing on them, bandanas with fang patterns.”

Sieg frown as he said. “They were called the Terror Fang, Herr Phobia...they are...are boneheaded lackies to this Rosy Thistle under the name of Spur.” making the Phobia pause for a bit...then let out a ragged breath.

“That slightly explain why they are stupid for chasing me for a damned toaster. If they’re lackies, then they’re all idiots.” then shook his head and told. “Forget it...there's always more for me to take...lets get back on the ship.” the two equines glance to the other again in worry, mostly because while Spur would tell her gang...it also prove that they were stupid like she told them.

While they were heading back to the ship, Scrappy was taking in this information of the newly named gang they came across as Scrappy was slightly approving of the name and it’s bits of information...he also felt the emotion of annoyance that they were chased for an illogical reasoning of a toaster of all things. It held no value to the gang, it held no importance, therefore it was illogical.

Nearing the docs and seeing the large ship in sight, Phobia glanced to the two and half wondered how they got in and out with little to no trouble. From his encounter, the Terror Fangs shot insults, threats, and if you didn’t listen? They just went straight to beating you up. It was good he was quick, but they were pretty aggressive like a Spotted.

Thinking back, he figured it had something to do with this ‘favor’ that Rosy Thistle-- or Spur, asked of them. Which had him wondering of what that would entail of him. And it was best to ask and know now, than later when it would just make him annoyed.

“Sieg, what did this Spur wanted you two to do?” the changeling held a neutral face...but answer.

“She wanted us to deliver a letter to her half-brother...in Canterlot.” it made Phobia pause in his walking, slowly looking to the two as he held a questioning look...and repeated.

“Deliver a letter ...in Canterlot?” seeing the faux stallion nodding...Phobia took a breath in...and said. “Well...that is probably a crazy request...but I rather not let them see my superior ship and its logo...they might try to trademark it.”

“Impossible. The name has already been trademark by you, creator.” Scrappy said as Phobia snort.

“Yeah well…there’s always hacks in a group.” then questioned. “You weren’t planning on asking me to fly you there, were you?”

Book shook her head as she said. “We were...thinking on using a train, Herr Phobia.” it made the stripe consider it...as while they will be split from the group...it also meant that they didn’t need to go to Canterlot by ship...as he told.

“Better find a way to use payment. I doubt they’ll accept shillings of all things.”

“Yes Herr Phobia.” spoke Sieg as they were nearing the ship as Sieg spoke on. “We will do what we can to be as fast as possible.” seeing the Stripe waving them off to dismiss them, the two equines headed in first, as Phobia told to Scrappy.

“Let's get this stuff back in my room and head back out, there's a lot to find in a place like this.” grinning wide as Scrappy nod, moving with his creator to find more scraps and things that ponies throw away. Apparently they haven’t recycle public things like scrap yards or places with junk. Which was good for them as there was potential goldmines to find for the Striped.

The apparent Goldmine was only so good of a place to gain things. Yes there was so many scraps to get, but it turned out that the Junkyard was both a place to drop junk off-- and a place to gain money. Apparently ponies that worked there either found and melted down the trash they could find on sight-- or if any wanted the junk could come in, pick what they want and buy it.

It puts a hamper on just ‘take what I want’ and leave with it. So he left empty handed on that part. When he was looking for useful scraps in the city, he quickly found to avoid the plastic blue boxes-- apparently those were recycling bins, and were only for official ponies that could come and take them to a place to be turned into something else.

He tried normal trash, but not many ponies were happy he scrounge around the trash in the open by their homes.

When he wandered back into gang territory, he was sure the Fangs were going to annoy him again once he figured he was on their turf again. To some surprise, they left him alone-- but were pretty clear to tell him to get lost and mess with some junkyard on 5th avenue street or something.

Seeing as he had nothing to lose… he followed it up. Then, only then, did he find a junkyard where NOBODY cared if he scrounge around for scrap!

Giving a mad cackle, Phobia dived onto the pile as he said. “YES! Oh glorious scraps! Scraps everywhere!” laughing as he pulls down his goggles, a mad gleaming grin on his face as he began to search and take everything he could grab his hands on. Scrappy was on another pile, analyzing everything as he could see so much potential things to take and use for materials. Even more with no one caring if his creator took it all.

In fact he consider on bringing the golems here with a large carriage to take everything. If no one cared of what his creator took here? Why not take it all? Sure the golems would have to wear cloaks while coming here, but the pros outweigh the cons...However Scrappy noticed old food, muck, grime, and other things that were health hazards as he spoke.

“Phobia, take care of what you grab. No one seem to care about having food tossed here with scraps and metal.”

Scrunching his nose, Phobia said. “Oh I smell them alright, and I’ll be careful. Just keep an eye around if we got in trouble, Scrappy.” quickly moving around as Scrappy sat on his haunches on a pile, as the mechanical wolf began to take watch, moving his head around while his striped briefly come to push down things he found into the many pouches and went off to find more things.

Scrappy briefly consider that while Equestria couldn’t be invaded due the higher powers...it could certainly be taken of its scraps and junk. If the Isle Stripes ever managed to hear or come to Equestria with its junk yards? He could predict that there would be an exodus of Stripes coming here on ships-- only to grab all the junk they were allowed to carry and come back to the Isles in delight.

But for now, he could only take so much and while he spent a couple of hours scrounging around for the best of the scraps he could carry-- did Phobia call it a day and headed back to the ship. He could return tomorrow and find more for himself. Though first he had to crosse Terror Fang turf… again. He wasn’t looking forward to listening to them, but he hardly had much of a choice at the moment and just trudged on through.

He was half annoyed that every time he walked through, he seemed to come across one of the gangs, though this time it was just one mare on possibly patrol. Or she was just taking a nice stroll, he didn’t know, only the fact she chose to stop in his path and look about the street right out the alleyway she was in.

Scrappy was examining the female as if she was going to cause trouble or not, or be a diversion of sorts for other gang members. However the latter was potentially low, due to Spur control over the Terror Fangs. Phobia glance down to her as she was in his way, he didn’t feel like fighting, but he will react as he glance to her. Seeing she was staying in her spot as he more or less ignore her.

If she wasn’t going to cause him problem, he wasn’t going to bother her, as long as she stay in her place as he pass by, then he’ll enjoy the slight lack of idiots chasing for stupid reasons.

It was a little tricky to just walk past, the allies weren’t the most widest of places, but it was enough for him to go around her. Still, the odd pony with a mane so bright pink, and leathery wings that just seemed out of place for any normal pony, still gave him a glance. She didn’t say anything at first, but soon did say, “So you’re that Phobia those two mentioned.” Not sounding too impressed. “They’re right. You look like a half misshapen D-dog.”

Stopping in his tracks, he turned his head to look over the pony as Scrappy focus on her as Phobia remarked. “You must be talking about Sieg and Book….I’m guessing you this ‘Spur’ they mention, right?”

“What of it?” Asked the mare with some snap. “Look, I don’t care who you are. I don’t care where you’re from and I don’t even give a rats ass of what you do.” Telling him rather bluntly, “Don’t mess with the Fangs or our turf, and we won’t have problems. You want to mess with junk-- go to that 5th street avenue. We won’t care. Just don’t mess around on our turf, and we’ll be square. Got it?” She didn’t expect to cross him the same day-- but figured to say her mind.

Snorting harshly he turned his full attention to her as he said. “Look, you don’t give a rat's ass on me? Good. I don’t give a rat's ass on you. In fact I don’t care about you or your petty gang, Spur. The only reason I am passing by your turf, is gain more junk. And this path happens to go to 5th street avenue. Nothing more, nothing less.” then soon said. “Now if you aren’t going to bother me, or chase me for some damned burnt toasters-- goodbye.” turning to start walking to his ship as he heard her say ‘whatever’, as Scrappy glance back to see her leaning on the wall as the mechanical wolf look forward again.

While the discussion was brief, both seem to give each other a message across. They don’t bother another, and they’ll ignore the other. Which seems fine for both groups as Phobia said to Scrappy. “Scrappy, logged in that Spur is a minor nuisance. Ignore for the most part with her gang, but logged in that if they attack me, they started it.”

“Done.” respond the mechanical wolf as he soon suggested. “Once we have returned, it may be wise to clean yourself, as to make sure your hands are not contaminated by the filth in the junkyard.”

“Oh believe me, I am so going to do that, the things these ponies would throw away!” having a disgusted sound as he once found a moldy sandwich in a microwave. A microwave! Who would do that!?

It was such a crime to him. But, apparently it wasn’t much of a problem in equestria. Whoever thought it wouldn’t be a problem needed a reality check-- but he really couldn’t do much but grumble and complain about it. So for now he let it be passed off and planned on his shower and the soap he might need to make sure he and his hands were clean.

Three days in, and each trip to the junkyard yielded so many different things. He found a very interesting pile of gears that, despite being out in the weather for a while, were barely even rusted and seemed to be made of a steel he wasn’t familiar with. When he asked Nowa about the steel, figuring she might have a clue, she told it was made of something called ‘Stainless Steel’, though she had no clue on why it was made into gears. Said it was mostly used to coat things to keep from rusting-- something about it being very effective in not rusting.

Not that she had a clue how to make this ‘Stainless Steel’, only that it was used in appliances, cooking items, or like she said, coating or used for things needing to resist rusting and corrosion. Ponies apparently had means to make it, and they apparently figured something out from Minotaur techniques.

Regardless, he left the gears on the side for later research, if he could gain anything from it. Reverse engineering metals was not as simple as melting it down. He didn’t know how it was forged or even chemically mixed. And melting it might actually cause it to lose it’s qualities. So for now, he placed those aside along with his many other finds.

Like a toaster oven. In fair condition too. Took a bit of his own fine tuning-- but now he could have reliably good toast. Or bagels. It made breakfast so much more enjoyable-- and he didn’t need to use the stove as often. So that was a major up over the lost Toaster.

He was actually roaming the halls after his latest spelunking for scrap and enjoying the clean feeling after a nice warm shower. So far, Kan and Nowa were out once more making business deals, the two having found a buyer and were now haggling them into a nice contract for the deal to be done. Without Sieg or Book and even Remy? The ship was rather calm and quite, bare the golems walking about.

It was odd in some sense. But he ignored it and headed for the lower decks, mostly to pick up a snack from the mess hall before heading back to his room to work on a new idea in mind. Though on his way there, he paused at a sound, one that had him flicking his ear and glancing.

By his side, Scrappy did the same, focusing the sounds and figuring out what his creator heard. When it sounded, it was clear to be a slight grunt, followed by a slight yelling. Curiously, both moved to find out what was going on. Nearing one of the hall doors, Phobia tilted his head at the training room and opened the door.

He blinked a bit and found that his two Herno ‘guests’ were in the midst of what seemed like a fight-- or that’s what it looked like. With how fast they were trading blows and blocking said blows, or evading them. Chops, swipes, kicks, punches-- it was just a blur of motion with both white and near black fur.

While it was a little hard to keep up with all the movement, it wasn’t that hard to make out the lesser wear the two herno’s had. He felt reminded of Najat’s natural beauty as she was in what seemed to be a more simple tube-top and a sort of shorts for her person, though it was enough to keep a level of modesty.

In similarity, Ash had similar aparil of a tube-top and shorts, though unlike Najat’s fairly unblemished like white and silver fur-- Ash’s brown fur was riddled with many dark black runic marks traveling all over her body. It was like one giant body size rune with so many details, Phobia was sure he’d need a true master of the runic arts to even decipher a quarter of what they all meant.

Though this was slightly put on the side as the two felines continued to go at a rapid pace in their sparing, both gaining, losing and regaining ground. It was so vastly out of league compared to watching his golems fighting the Pirates just some weeks back.

look at them. thought the Stripe, he figured they were keeping in shape, and in practice as he recalled briefly that Hernos were Warriors and were used to training.

Although it was...nothing compared to Stripes, as Striped were more agile, moving around and prefer to be a nuscuence than head on.

He was pretty sure if he got in a fight like those two, he would lose in seconds. Scrappy analyze the fight as well the runes on Ash, unable to understand any of them as they seem to be in an unknown variations.

However Scrappy could tell that the Hernos weren’t holding back. As they seem to sparing to their fullest.

With a strike that was hard to notice due to speed, Ash was tipped over and Najat got her arm before pinning it behind the feline and got an arm around her neck and told, “yield.” Seeming certain that she had Ash.

While she was in a precarious position, Ash thought on it and said, “for shame. You hit my tickle point Najat.” Sounding more teasing than anything.

“You let your guard down.” Najat told, “an enemy would not hesitate to take it.”

Ash thought on that, head moving about before saying, “you’re right.” Leg slipping under Najat’s own before quickly swiping and making the white herno lose balance. Like that, the tables were turned and Ash twisted herself out of Najat’s grasp and spun, pinning her to the floor hard and getting a hold of both the heiresses arms and grinning, “And as your opponent, I have to make sure to point out your loose guard!”

“You cheated!” Najat hissed.

“You let your guard down~” Sang out Ash in Najat’s own words. “Yield?”

With a huff, Najat struggled a bit before conceding, “yield.” both getting up and looking at the other, with a smug grin and the other with an icy glare… before slightly smiling for the briefest of moments before it was gone and both getting back into stance… and starting again. (End)

Look like they’re going to be at this for hours… thought Phobia as he slowly pulled away from the door with Scrappy as he remarked once they were away from the training room.

“They were…” thinking of a good word before finishing. “Fast. Flexible...more...I had no idea they could bend that much.”

“It is likely due to years of training, molding the body at a young age to train like that as if it were second nature. Hernos seem to discipline as Najat once mention...however it is much more than with the Lions.”

Giving a harsh snort as he was heading to the mess hall again. “Lions are discipline, the Hernos are just waaay strict than them. I mean, Lions would just ignore a Stripe if they do their stuff. Even more Lions are all about power with one hit. Hernos? They got more endurance than Lions.”

Scrappy consider that as he agreed. “If compared, Hernos are superior to Lions in endurance, agility and flexibility. They will likely win in a one on one match.”

“That we can agree on.” Said the Stripe as he asked. “Did the golems found stowaway rats?”

“Negative, due to lacking of food and not enough baits, not enough rats are found. Not to mention Nowa still detest of your orders of live rats in baits.”

Snorting, he moved to his ‘private storage’ to open and grab a cage with a rat as he told while grabbing his private frying pan. “It’s something she gotta get used to. I am not giving up my past time of eating rats. That’s one thing I’ll miss from the Isles.”

Tilting his head, Scrappy watch his creator making his snack of cook eat as the mechanical wolf was running the scenarios with the two Hernos in training. While he wanted to go and look at the two more? His place was with his creator. However it did made Phobia consider something.

“You know, I should make something more practical with my golems. Something new, something that’ll be fast, sure my golems are fine enough...but I’ll need nimble golems...maybe make a new unit of light metal golems to be used in scouting, or maybe for hit and run moves? Hrm, maybe something like...like…” his mind thinking from the spar of the two Hernos. While he did got a good look, his mind thought of a golem that could...be at the same speed of a Herno.

But no matter how he tried to figure it out, it just wasn’t working. The needed speed, fluid movement, precision and flexibility… His Golems could only process things so fast and their parts only moved so quickly. Unless they had multiple arms to confiscate-- but that only made them more expensive and complex to make.

He hummed more deeply in thought and didn't hear much behind him due to his thoughts. Scrappy was however, aware of the herno’s that came in while his creator took his time to cook. Both were talking to the other over some nonsensical subject of cloth and which was best for a putting-- something a bit odd to hear from supposed warriors.

When Ash noticed Phobia cooking though, she smiled and said, “plumbing, inventing, engineering and cooking?” Then asked Najat, “how is he still single?”

With a certain chill in her voice, Najat told, “he has a detestful mindset when dealing with the fair sex, Ash.” Waking for a cabinet where some pre-made bottles of water were stored.

Phobia didn’t hear the insult, as he was still deep in thought and cooking, Scrappy however felt a bristling forming in him as he spoke to respond. “He is at times complex and is not so narrow, Najat.” Looking to the two as Scrappy spoke on.

“And you might reconsider that if he was among Stripes, he would be quite favorable due to being Racky would be attractive to them.”

Without even looking at him, Najat looked through the cabinet and told, “do not speak in matters you do not understand, golem. If what you say were true, he would have not taken me as a simple plaything.” It made Scrappy bristle a tad more and ready to begin his counter of her striking words.

Though Ash chose to cut in with, “leeeet me stop you there before you keep digging yourself a hole, Scrappy-dog.” Moving up to the golem and saying, “You’ve been alive for… what, a few weeks?” Then waved a finger before him. “First rule with girls? We’re more complex than guys. You can’t just take what we say at face value and make sense of it. It wont work.” Going on to tell with a hand to her chest, “trust me, I’m a girl. I know a thing or two about how complicated we get.”

Being silent, going through his data banks as he soon told. “You're logic...is somewhat sound.” Turning his head to Phobia, moving the rat in his pan as he consider that perhaps that would explain the looks the female Stripe gave after his creator exile?

Females were illogical sometimes.

Chuckling and flicking a ear, Ash shot a arm out to snatch a flying water bottle out of the air and flip it in her hand. “Trust me. You might think Najat’s narrow in the head, but it’s more than just that, you just don’t get her.” Then told on while opening the cap, “besides, we females got standeres. And if Najat thinks he’s got a personality problem that doesn't know how to treat a girl? Could make sense why he don’t got anything.”

She took a swing of her water and began walking out telling, “don’t mean to be harsh about it. But while those stuff I said do highlight him, they won’t get a girl’s attention. Just imprese them a little.”

Najat gave a firm nod to this. “There is more to a favorable husband than simple trinkets.” Turning away and walking away. While she didn’t bother giving so much as a goodbye, Ash wasn’t so cold.

“Later Scrappy, catch you and Racky later!” Giving a wave and next to slipping around the corner of the doorway she and Najat left out of. (end)

While Phobia didn’t notice them, Scrappy...thought. He thought on their words, he thought on his creator. While what Ash Said was somewhat logical?

It was also illogical.

Scrappy thought over it...maybe his creator was broken? Maybe Najat...was somewhat logical?

It made him pause.

Phobia...is broken? Najat is...logic? Detecting paradox once more. Najat who I hate is logical. Paradox is in full effect. What she said is logical, but she does not wish to aid creator. Her actions has hurt and demeaned my creator.

and to admit to her...Error. Error. Error detection. Requesting for system maintenance. nodding to this as Phobia was done as Scrappy spoke.

“Requesting system maintenance, creator. Am detecting errors in my programming.” Getting Phobia to glance and said.

“Really?” Then as he took the pan with him and a fork..he sniff and asked. “We’re the Hernos just here now?” Then Said. “Oh that’s why you need it...they confuses you.” Then nod. “Yeah...considering it’s Ash and Najat, make sense.”

As he move to his room, Scrappy follow. The mechanical wolf did not like this error in his system. Even more the paradox of Najat. Or of Ash.