Conquest Horizon

Hooves slamming on the table, Nowa told, “an’ I’m tellin’ ya, we can’t just go and rush it!” Motioning a hoof towards the doorway, the mare said, “didja take a look at the state of our cannon’s? They be a real fine mess. We ain’t taking on three Destroyers with damage like that!” Trying to make her point to the changeling. (end)

Sieg narrow his eyes as he told. “Perhaps, Nowa. But while we are waiting for the Engineer golems to repair our ship? We need to make a plan to counter-attack! We need to save Herr Phobia, before he is either taken as a slave, or is killed!” Kan merely stood by the side, partially listening as she could confirm that the mutt wasn’t dead…

But in all honesty she could hardly care. Since she would win in either way, either the mutt gets killed or not, she’ll have a soul and a new contract with Nowa. Not to mention the cats are finally out of the ship, and she can persuade Copper to work for Nowa. Overall even if things are looking ‘bad’ for the mortals, they are looking rather good for her. Sure the golems will have to be remove...but I’m certain we can use them for spare parts. especially more since they could gain useful mortals...mortals she could eat if they try to backstab her.

It was cute to see them try though. (done)

“Oh Kanny, I’m home~!” everyone froze and turned to look at Ash as she strolled in, staff spinning in hand and grinning like mad. “Sorry I was out past curfew, but the road was a little hard to fine.”

Lifting a hoof, Nowa began, “how… you… but…” (End)

What does it take to get rid of this damn cat!? mentally anguish Kan as she gave a annoyed look and said shortly. “Oh...you’re alive.” (done)

Pouting, Ash said, “you almost sound disappointed.” Then grinned while telling, “what can I say? Nine-lives baby!” Doing a fistpump as she said this. (end)

Snorting to this, Kan asked. “So, did you and you friend dumped the mutt?”

Sieg was about to question on the stripe condition, or at least until he sense the emotions of said stripe as Phobia walked in and remarked with cross arms and a grin. “Technically I’m a cat too, so I got extra lives.”

Kan just stare at him, and soon told in a jabbing tone. “Oh great, you’re alive. Guess the one thing you’re good at is not getting killed somehow.” (done)

Najat soon also moved around the corner, but made no comment like the other two. Even as Scrappy was moving to make his place by Phobia, Ash grinned and put a arm around the strip’s shoulders, “well, he does have some pretty stupid luck.”

“But how are you even alive?” Nowa half shouted, “I was half convinced at least one of you was dead by now!”

Finger up, Ash told, “we began to run, and continued to run and didn’t stop running.” (end)

“But there were superior numbers, there would of been some sort of losses.” spoke Sieg, as he was trying to figure it out as Scrappy inform.

“Correct, we had 24% chance of escape with me and Phobia. However due to Ash and Najat appearance, our survival chances rose to 99% due to both being paradoxal females.”

“In short, Ash is too unpredictable to be killed, and I’m too insane to be killed.” ‘translate’ Phobia with a wide smirk. Then look to Nowa and joke. “Look like you won’t get my ship yet, Nowa.” (done)

Bristling to this, Nowa told, “even if you died, I probably wouldn't get to keep the ship.” which made Phobia stumble in thought. “Copper might be good at her job, but there are things on here she doesn't fully understand yet-- how long do you’d think we’d keep this ship from sinki’ on it’s own, eh?” (end)

“calculation...A month without Phobia. Due to Phobia ingenious mind, Engineer Copper would have difficulty on keeping ship stable, even more without the Engineering golems aiding in full on repair and with knowledge of ship itself.” (done)

Nowa gave Scrappy a look and told, “I’m talking about all those ‘places’ that only Phob’s can reach an’ work that Copper spotted on the blueprints.” Then looked to Phobia and told, “you thought I’m stupid? I know you don’t trust me, so that only means you did somthin’ to the ship so even if I took it, something would go wrong later on!” (end)

“well...I rarely trust other's, so yeah you’re right. I did.” told Phobia with a grin, then frown and told. “Although I am a bit miffed she found out those spots and backup precautions I made…” then added with a shrug as he said. “But hey, it just also shows I can’t be killed off easily in the future.”

“Conclusion. Consider this as a symbiotic relationship for you and my creator, Navigator Nowa.” (done)

Rolling her eyes, the former pirate told, “right, right, look, just expect that to be part of Copper’s little list o’ complaints. I think she was pretty miffed that there be those little rooms.” WAlking away from the table adding, “Somthin’ about wasted space.” Casting a glance to Sieg, she told, “now if you’re done buggin’ me? I got ship-work to do!” Trotting out of the room. (end)

Sieg shook his head, but look to Phobia and salute. “It is good to see you again and in good health, Herr Phobia.”

Grinning, he nod to Sieg. “Good to be back too.” seeing the changeling giving a nod and leaving the room to give Book the good news, while Kan gave a exasperated breath and look to the four as she said.

“Look like we’ll have to endure you all again.” then added in annoyance. “Even more with nothing to gain from this little event.” (done)

“I wouldn’t say that.” Ash grinned. “I mean, we did get a new ketch to use…” (End)

“Ketch?” thinking a bit Kan said. “Somewhat useful…” then thought over as Phobia gained ideas.

“That reminds me, I could add guns to this thing, oh maybe extra engines for speed, reinforced armor-- maybe use it as carriers for my golems! Oh even use for supplies moving.” gaining all sorts of ideas as Kan rolled her eyes.

“You know, its a wonder how for a supposedly genius...you are such a pathetic being.” told the demoness as Phobia told with a scoff.

“Said the demoness that got duped by me.” which made the demoness give a ‘tch’ sound. (done)

Agreeing to this, Najat spoke, “it is in a manner, pathetic for a demon to be outwitted by a mortal. It is a wonder how you could have made such a mistake.” which further made Kan twitch at the utter audacity that the herno had. “Do not waste waste breath or effort on her, Phobia-san. If there are any you must distrust, Kan is the main one.” Walking off for her shared room with Ash.

The dark feline herself winked at Kan and told, “catch you later!” Waving a hand and shadowing her friend. (End)

Glaring at the two, she turn her sight to Phobia as she said. “So, what did you do to make her stop saying bastard at the end of your name mutt?”

Raising up his snout, Phobia told with cross arms as he told. “I don’t have to tell you anything!” then told on. “In fact I don’t need to tell you anything, take care Kan!” turning as he walked off to his quarters, as Scrappy look to Kan and shook his head, moving to follow after the Stripe as Kan grumble to herself.

Just great. First I couldn’t get the soul. Then I found out that the idiot had back-up plans if someone took his ship, then I found out the cats are still here. And now, Najat is somewhat more respectful to the idiot. Can this day get any worse? she then thought over it and soon thought in annoyance. Oh yes. Now I have to deal with them even more. Just peachy.

Still, there was a upside to this. They have a ketch...although now they were sitting ducks for whoever attack them. Probably were just minor scavengers and slavers that hit the ship from earlier. Nothing really important. Turning to leave the room, she had a feeling that things were going to get more annoying from now on.

There was a long sigh, as Phobia relax on his bed, amor and undersuit off, letting his bare form rest on the bed. Looking up to the steel ceiling as the stripe wasn’t pondering on plots, on world domination, or even ideas and plans to increase his inventions…

What he was thinking back...was the conversation with Ash and Najat. Or more specifically their words to him. Feeling utter...confusion to be all honest. Having his hands laid out as his mind was trying to wrap around each word, each sentence...and felt even more confuse. “Scrappy?” spoke out the Stripe.

Getting the mechanical wolf ears to move, as he laid by the foot of the bed, he waited for his creator orders as Phobia said in a solemn tone. “Repeat...Ash first words after I asked why?”

Going through his databanks, Scrappy jaw open up, as he held Ash voice as it spoke out. “Friends don’t leave friends behind.”

Phobia thought hard on that, as he felt his lips frown more. Friends? I’ve never been friends to them. To Ash. To...Najat. Why would they, or Ash consider me as a friend? Why would they...they give me a chance? feeling more confuse...it didn’t made sense to the Stripe.

Hyenas don’t do second chances often. If you screw up on your first impression and become horrible to them, they’ll avoid you like a plague. If you do good and become friendly to them, they’ll consider you as good friends later on. It made Phobia thought over on how Ash, even Najat was willing to give him a chance, even though the later forgiving him for what he did...even stopping him from...from…

Phobia hands gripply tighten on the bed sheets...as he recalled, in that moment of carliety, in that moment of...of peace...he was about to kill himself. Was I that so far gone, so….lost that I was willing to end it all? To just..just let it go and accept that void in me? it didn’t really help that he was acceptable of such a thing...yet he knew that in that moment, if Scrappy didn’t try to stop him? Or if Najat stopped him completely and wasted his shot?

He would of done it.

Taking a deep breath...he thought on Ash words. Words that made him recall of Sieg, of Book...maybe Copper and Nowa. On how the former two were with him, or rather Sieg with him as the changeling was dedicated to the Stripe cause. With Book supporting him, thereby supporting the Stripe. It made him aware that...that he had a Clan of sort, granted a very, very small one.

It also made him realize that the mechanical beast he made, that Scrappy consider him Clan. that something he made...could actually feel such loyalty. Granted that was how the Stripe made him as, and obey his orders… but to disobey his order for the Stripe safety? That...takes a lot of will. Or in this case, so much loyalty to override the orders given to him for his creator safety.

Phobia thought on to Ash. On how she gave trust to other's. On how she was willing to give other's a chance, even if she was backstab. Even on how she persuaded Najat, the female that would left him to his fate...try to save him. And in doing so...made him actually apologize in full honesty. Phobia thought on Ash words, that only true friends remain if they’re willing to go rock bottom with you and go back to the top.

Looking to the side, Phobia thought on as...Ash was him, or like him in a way. They were both outcasts, they both were alone, and both had few friends...but while Ash try to do good and help other's, Phobia closed himself off from other's and force on. What makes a leader, a true leader? his thoughts went on to his plans, his wants of world domination...or something close to it as he thought.

Is a leader great by his support? His army? His territory? Or maybe...Maybe being kind for those common people? Being supportive, helping...maybe even...even… thinking a bit as he mutter out. “Maybe even showing a bit of trust to other's?” He thought over that as...his old thoughts as a ruler were supposed to be someone sitting in a chair, commanding other's to do his bidding, to rule great power, and having absolute authority…

It made him thought on what Ash said of Najat role in the Clan. Not a empire, not a kingdom...but a Clan. Where she helps other's, listen to the people. Do the tasks needing...being the servant of the people, instead of ruling over them. It made him furrowed his brows. As...as if ruling a group wasn’t about being in charge, but maybe...something else?

It made him confuse even more...or at least, until he thought of his former Clan. He recalled the Clan head herself. Moving around each member of the Clan. talking with them, hearing on what needed to be done. Even helping them with their duties and making sure the Clan survive with whatever food or scraps were found.

...For the first time in...nearly 6 months, Phobia thought on a name he hasn’t heard or said in a long time. “” Scrappy ears move at the native tongue, recalling Phobia true Clan name being used by his Clan. Raising his head more, Scrappy began to calculate on what he gather so far.

Creator has view Sieg, Book, and potentially the other's as Clan. Will deduce the percentage. However the solution has not been solved to fully lessen the percentage. However this also mean there is also a short-term solution to keep creator form ending his life. This will be temporarily acceptable until a permanent solution has been found.

Seeing Phobia becoming quiet, mostly thinking in his thoughts, Scrappy knew that he must find a permanent solution, as while this short-term can help dissuade the stripe, he must purge the percentage of the danger zone now. As the the short-term is a temporary dulling to his creator pain and his loneliness.

And the mechanical wolf knew that he must find that solution, or his creator will become worse even more. That must not happen. He will not allow that to happen. Scrappy must ensure that his Clan, his creator, his Clan Head, must live and must have a decrease of demise percentage permanently, otherwise it will increase fully once more.

But the problem was, how to find this solution with what he lack of data or variables, especially with how tense things are?

Re-running scenario. Variables of Najat and Ash are paradoxal. Adding in the factors of Kan, Nowa, and Copper. Adding factor of Sieg and Book being partial Clan. Running diagnostics. Last check of creator percentage, 79%. Short-term solution added in, with variables of tense and stress. Adding in lack of means of relief.

Running Najat accepting apology and give forgiveness variable. Running Ash views of friendship to creator. Unknown. Unknown means of rising or lowering. Unknown means to gain long-term means. Error. Reconfigured. Re-running, adding potential buying of slave now.

...Error. Unknown means of gaining long-term solution to fully decrease percentage in a permanent manner. Unknown on how to lower percentage with permanent solution. Conclusion, I am still in the same spot I was earlier. I am unable to help my creator. Unacceptable. Resolution: Must gain permanent solution. Must gain means to save Phobia from himself. Must find means to relief his needs of organic procreation. Must find means to decrease his demise percentage. Ending scenario running.

Stopping his thoughts to that, Scrappy knew that this was a difficult solution to solve, nothing like with other scenarios he could deal with. With both Hernos on the ship, and the recent change, he couldn’t make a exact conclusion on what they would do. Especially with helping find a means for his creator.

He was starting to dislike his new sensation of frustration even more.

(done)

Moving through fast, yet fluent kata’s, Najat kept her focus sharp and eyes forwards. Mind working out a mental foe to strike at while she did her practice. She didn’t pause in her work, and exerted just a bit of her magic through her body. All to not just slightly strengthen her endurance, but to further build on her reserves.

Once again, she had donned shorts and a tube-top, mostly to help keep cool while she trained and not to mess up her robes. It was simple to clean these training cloths-- but her robes would have been a pain to clean out.

Backing from a practiced dodge, she spun and made a quick kick to where a head would be on one kind of foe. Then, Najat recovered her stance, going low for a ‘duck’ before ascending up with a solid fist upwards. PAusing and holding, she backed down into a neutral stance before restarting the kata with a different set.

Even as she continued, the herno flicked an ear and gave the most subtle of glances over her shoulder before refocusing on her training. “Phobia-san.” She seemed to half greet. (End)

“Hey Najat.” spoke the stripe, wearing his undersuit, mostly because the undersuits were literally his only clothings to have, not alot of cloths came in stripes size. And those that do were of diamond dog clothings. Although Phobia was without Scrappy for once, as he had the mechanical dog take stock of the golems that were available since the ambush. He knew he would need to craft the Engineer golems, or more of them, but he wanted a exact number of how much he lost.

And he knew that he would be working with Copper on repairs of the ship, but he had...to get something off his chest for a while, as he soon asked. “Mind if we talk when you’re done, Najat?”

Breathing in and settling into a stance, Najat settled her breathing and put her arms into what might have been a ‘disarming’ stance for all he knew before stopping altogether. Turning, she moved and went into a sitting kneel and motioned to the space before herself. “Sit. Speak.” Cool, crisp and collected like always. (End)

Rolling his eyes, but not scoffing as he moved to sit ten feet from her, not trusting on her suddenly ‘poofing’ anything icey around her. Letting himself get comfy, he look at the wall, as he held a thoughtful look on his face and asked plainly. “What's the real reason you didn’t let me kill myself, Najat?” then turn a bit of his head as he said while looking at her. “And if you say ‘because of Herno tradition’, I’m calling bull.” (done)

Lifting a brow, Najat asked, “Do you call me a liar?” (end)

Raising a prosthetic finger, he told. “No, but there is a reason more to than simply Herno traditions, Najat.” (done)

“The mention of Tradition, was a correction of your thoughts, Phobia-san.” Najat told. “You told me you would commit Seppuku to amend for mistakes. But the mistakes made did not warrant to take your life, when you don't fully believe what you did was wrong.”

Staring, she told, “so in a manner, no. Traditions was not the reason. But that was not the intended reason to stop you. The intended reason was already made. That the action alone was unneeded.” (End)

Letting his mind ‘translate’ that, he shook his head and sigh out. As he look back to the wall as he soon asked. “You still planning on killing me later on?” (done)

“What reason do I?” Asked the clan heiress. “I have already forgiven your transgressions. What you said was truly sincere and honest. I accepted this fact, and decided to give you a second chance to redeem those wrongs in full.” (end)

Sighing some, he rub his forehead some and told. “You say that...yet I don’t understand it…” then look to her as he explain. “Hyenas rarely give second chances. The moment you do a Hyena wrong? They won’t forget it. They’ll carry that wrong, and the grudge of it in generations worth, to the point it’s instill in the species of the Hyenas.” (Done)

To this, Najat countered simply, “but I am Herno, not Hyena.” It was just a simple little fact and detail she gave out with no jabbing or harshness. “And the manner we Herno conduct trust, is vastly different from how you do.” Then motioned a hand to him, “if you met a person, one that went up to you and insulted your pride or shoved you. Do you strike back in turn?” (End)

“I just shove them back or tell them to watch it, that or give a insult of my own.” said Phobia as he snort a bit. “I was probably the only Stripe back home to actually push when it comes to shove.” (done)

Nodding, Najat asked, “and if you got into a heavy fight, due to them arguing with you, would you hold that against them, even if they were to return and ask for forgiveness for that wrong?” (end)

Thinking a bit, he said. “Eh...I’ll probably be a bit pissed...but after calming down for a while and probably tolerate it, or them for the most part. Maybe take the forgiveness just to get them to stop if they became annoying.” (done)

Measuring this in her minds eye, Najat said, “so is with Hernos, that we do not judge on first actions. We judge by the honor one has, and the actions they make whilst we know them.” She remained unmoving, almost like some statue while explaining. “You and I have met in unfavorable circumstances. And you had wronged me in so many ways. My wish to kill you, was simply driven by the fact you would do it all again and not feel a ounce of guilt.”

“Since you're asking for forgiveness, you have shown that you have the capacity to feel guilt. And from that, a hint that in time, you may not do what you have done to me, unto others. As you will know that guilt of causing harm onto another that caused my disapproval. A harm that can leave scars for a lifetime.” She seemed to hold a harden gaze and told, “I give you a second chance. To see if you are worth the time and effort to aid or keep safe. But know that when you do something truly horrid? I may have to take action, not just for myself, but for others. It is not all just a personal vendetta. Merely an act of a code of honor.” (end)

Giving a amuse chortal, he glance to her with a grin. “You still don’t want me to try world domination, don’t you?” (done)

Blandly, she told, “since you only have the capacity of a child's views of what it means to rule, it is a reasonable conclusion to persuade you not to do such a thing.” (End)

Letting out a low chuckle, he shook his head and soon said. “That's...the other reason I want to talk to you...what does make a person a great leader? Beside the whole, virtues, or being chosen, or responsibilities-- there's more to it..A lot more to it from what I...saw from my former clan leader…” finished off soberly as Phobia glance down and added. “And from what...Ash made mention with you and your Clan.” (Done)

Considering this question, Najat said, “there is no clear way to answer your question without including what you wish to not be mentioned.” Then breathed in and ready her explanation. “But, if you ask on simply leading? It is a simple matter of making choices that benefit the whole. Knowing what amount of items to buy, the reasons of a set path or actions the group takes in order to survive.”

“If you ask me what makes a Great Leader? That becomes much more complicated, Phobia-san.” Raising a hand to her chest, Najat told, “I was born to the Head of the Clan, birthed by a women of modest honor. When I was young, I was trained in the family ways. When I could understand, I was tutored in all the ways to lead. When I knew right and wrong, I was taught the honor and the actions I must make when doing what is not only best, but also right for my Clan.”

“Even with these, that does not mean I will be a great leader.” Najat closed her eyes and hummed in thought. “Virtues, are a important part of a true leaders mark. You may lead smart, may make good choices or have charm to keep followers under yourself. But a real leader is truly valued, by the amount the people they serve, respect them. Not by the power they have over others.”

Giving a hum, Phobia lean back in his spot, hands resting on their palms as he look up and remarked. “With how much you’re talking of leaders serving...remind me of this old...Hyena folklore we had. Something Sto-- Stumpy talks about when I was a pup…” eyes looking back in recalling of memories. “It was...something about a hyena once taking the remains of the Stripe Clans into safety, bringing each one into a cave to keep them safe. Making sure everyone was away from the Spotted…

“She...said that this Hyena was supposedly mad, that even the Racky ones consider him crazy. Yet despite this madness….they trusted him. They trusted him because he didn’t ask for riches...he didn’t ask for their inventions-- he didn’t ask for anything...bare for favors. Favors for food, for shelter at times. Favors for a laugh...favors for a song, favors to play.” eyes looking on to the wall as he said.

“And this madman...even though there was nothing for there give...there was something to gain, even if it wasn’t of riches, of inventions-- or anything to craft...Just them, being themselves. Was enough for him. Singing their songs, singing their dance, their plays...it was all he asked...even after he left, and giving them a chance to live again. In away….he gave them the one thing they needed….hope.” (done)

“Sometimes in the darkest of times, only a Leader may kind that light of hope.” told Najat simply. “This, I know. I must be prepared to lay my very life on the line, to aid those I lead. I must protect, I must teach, I must guard, and I must fight for them. There are many roles a leader must take up, just for those they lead. Be they army, warriors, scholars, clans or ruffed people with no home.”

Ruefully, Najat told with a slight smile. “I sometimes envy Ash-chan in some ways. Despite myself being a clan heiress, having the most advance teachings and longest lineage of honor… she still leads better than I. There are some things, only some are granted by actions alone.” (end)

Being silent abit, Phobia look at the wall in thought...and said. “You probably won’t care much...but there was...a reason for me doing the whole world thing...Originally it was just a plan. A...dream of sorts. When Stumpy told me that story...I was inspired. Inspired at a young age that, if some madman, a outsider could achieve something like that? I could do more.” giving a slight smile as he look at the wall as he raise his prosthetic arm up as he told in irritation.

“I hated how the Stripes live. I hated how we live in constant caution. I hated how we progress, but never take the chances to expand! I hated how we are so scattered among the Isles, that we live in constant paranoid that we would be killed by Spotted! I wanted that to ended...and I decided to build this ship. Build it for the Stripes to make a new era. To make the Stripes to gain what pride we had left.

“To gain what we lost in history, in our arts, in our fracture culture-- we had cities filled with stripes. We had a fully stabilized military! I wanted the Stripes to regain what...what lost...ingenuity that we limited ourselves to. To stop living like dregs in shacks and places to isolate ourselves. I wanted the Stripes to succeed and grow!”

Then took a deep breath and admit. “And I just...just wanted them to see that I...wanted to do my very best for them. To help them have this ship, to have a place to work. To..to actually be proud to be a Stripe than...hide away like the scavengers we are…” then gave a bitter low laugh as his head lower down.

“but...I guess when you’re consider the ‘Racky of them all’...you’ll make even other Racky ones consider that you’re simply too much of a problem to have.” (done)

While Phobia slowly wound down and drifted of in thought, Najat watched. She watched and remain mute during this and did not speak a word until he had nothing let to say. No words to further give and no more emotion to give. When he was silent, did Najat tell, “as a leader, you must do what you feel is best for the whole.”

While Phobia lifted his head to see the ever so cold gaze of the herno, she asked, “tell me, Phobia-san. Did you ever count the lives you have taken in battle?” (End)

“...sometimes. Sometimes I get too focus on surviving to not count...but after a while...I start to have Scrappy as a counter of sorts...to simply...remind me.” said Phobia simply...although he didn’t add on that the reason for the counting was a half-brain idea of bragging rights later on. (done)

Nodding, Najat said, “I can only remember so many. But I do it, as a reminder that for every life I take, it is another murder.” She waited for a moment before saying, “It is not a right thing to do. To take life. But there is honor in stopping those that would do further harm, even if their death is the only means to do that.”

“Did you consider those they knew?” She asked. “Did you ever consider the brothers, sisters, parents, elders, sons and daughters that would lose that person you killed forever?” Striking a odd feeling in Phobia. “While it is a injustice your people have suffered this life they lead, do you think it will justify all the death, all the loss and all the pain you will inflict on those you march over in your conquest?” Hand swiping through the air, she told with firmness. “Lovers separated. Families torn. Brethren anguished their fellows fall before them. Kings and Rulers watching on as their people suffer and die for the land they swore to protect and uphold.”

She placed her hand back into her lap, and stared at Phobia. “This, is the path you chose to take. A path you must understand the true measure of consequences to.” (end)

Taking that in, he thought over it some. Feeling that same odd feeling in him...he tried to recall what it was...was it guilt? He think it was that...it was honestly hard to say what it was. Although with how she was giving these points...it was harder to imaging the situations on what they were like. Trying to pin down his feelings as his eyes close, as he tried to find the odd feelings he felt. At least to him that made sense.

Always looking at things in a Stripe manner. See things with wires, with boxes...with connections. Seeing what she told him, what this feeling was in him. He didn’t felt guilty. He didn’t felt anger or irritation...he also didn’t felt annoyance, or even hatred. He felt...felt…

Eyes closing harder, he tried to imagine it. Tried hard to figure it out as he tried his best to recall what it was. It's not pain. Its not bitter...its..sadness? Regret? Maybe...fear? No not fear...maybe a combination of sadness and pain? But what sort of me… then he pause as a thought came. Scrappy becoming destroyed. That…

That was it.

That was what the odd feeling was. Seeing Scrappy being destroyed made him feel...a lot of feelings. Anguish, rage, pain...there was even fury. It made him feel so much emotions...that when he compare to Scrappy being destroyed..to what Najat said with the rulers having their lands conquered and people killed…

That when it clicked. It made him pause in his thoughts as a frown felt on his face as he open his eyes with nothing to give out. No siding remarks, no scoffs. Just silence. (done)

Eyes seeming to shift just a touch, in a manner that seemed to understand what was in his own gaze, did Najat speak. “You understand now.” (End)

“...Yeah.” said Phobia as he let out a long breath. “Just had to...make it something I can relate to.” then with another deep braeth, he told. “Even though I see now...I can’t stop in a sense. Maybe it’s already too late to stop.” (done)

“It is only too late, when war has begun and the cries of many seek out the blood for the one that caused them wrong.” Told Najat stiffly. “You have yet to cross this line. It is a line you may cross, if you so dare to. But the only thing stopping you from doing so, is yourself. If you choose to simply give in to the idea that you have no choice-- you are doomed to follow it due to your own foolishness.”

Staring at him, she told, “You still can stop. But it will only stop, when you choose to truly stop. And that is a choice, you must choose to make for not just yourself, but those on this ship. For their lives are in your hands, and your responsibilities. Their deaths, will be on you head.” (end)

Being silent once more, he thought to it...Eyes glazing as he thought on her words as technically he could stop it. He never started his campaign, mostly because he felt he needed more time. More time to craft, more time to create… more time to enhance his creations. Yet…

Yet this was the only thing he had left. Sure he had...some of the other's. But this dream. This...desire of his empire, the New Dread Empire with Scrappy...It was all left of himself. Without this dream?

What was left for him? What was left to fill in beside the very small Clan he had? What was left for the exile? That was something he didn’t know...and didn’t want to question as he let out a hum and jump on his feet as he told with a grin, putting on a convincing mask to her. “Thanks for the talk Najat...I’ll...consider your words.” then turned his head to walk off. “Now if you pardon me, I got a lot of things to work on, the ship won’t repair itself you know!”

Giving a light laugh as he waved with his left hand to leave the training room.

Watching him, Najat got up and said, “as you wish.” something about her tone being a bit more… sharper. It was as if she knew something but did not speak. It was a odd feeling, but also a slightly annoying one. The whole ‘better than thou’ air she had just seemed to be in place at all times. Even the ‘I know all’ sort of tone she just had slightly prickled at him.

Not that he was going to say anything. Who knows what words she’ll use to slap his face with. (End)

Or words to hit at his nerves. He already got one cat to do that, he didn’t need another. So with that, he quickly push everything they talked about, even his own mixed feelings on the side. He needed to focus working, and needed to get his mind occupy...He didn’t want to re-live with his doubts and fears again. Like the last time when he was first exiled.

However as he was in another direction, Scrappy came by the training room, apparently seeking his creator as he scan the room and spoke. “Have you seen Phobia?” already noting he was gone. (done)

Getting back into stance, Najat told, “Phobia-san has left a moment ago. He went down the right hand side of the hall.” Focusing her gaze forwards and not even sparing Scrappy a glance. (End)

Scrappy quickly left to follow the path, as while he wanted to report the numbers...he was also still very worry for his creator. His creator mood has been in flux, and he didn’t like how high the percentage was still at in 79%. In fact he felt that worry increase as he hasn’t come up with anything. It made him concern that he would need..outside help to aid his creator.

The only problem...was who, as Sieg might not be of aid due to being military, as well as Book still learning things. He didn’t fully trust either Najat or Ash to help him help Phobia as they could actually make things worse with their personalities. And Copper was still new to the ship...The only ones that could help were Nowa or Kan…

And he rather go to the former pirate. At least she's more trusting than the demoness. In all honesty, Scrappy did not like the few options...but what else he could do? Especially with how uncertainty his creator mind was? One thing was for certain, unless he find a solution to his creator needs and stability? Then Scrappy will be in a never-ending loop of unable finding the means to help his creator, especially with so much unknown or unaccounted variables within this ship.

While the village was a decent enough place to settle to wait and plan, they had to quickly move somewhere safe to avoid the destroyers in precaution. But with how the ship was dented, it was hard to say how long they could stay in the village for. So they had little options but to head to Kervail, as while they prefer, or Sieg prefer to go somewhere else, the military changeling had to admit that Kervail was potentially ‘safe’ for the ship to be at.

But when they reached into the city and within the landing docks, the changeling had to switch to a different disguise. Mostly due to not wanting a encounter with the prince or the guards. So while they let the ship rested in Kervail, the Stripe, the minotaur and the remaining Engineer golems with additional new ones that Phobia crafted worked tirelessly on repairing the ship.

Giving it a good check up for maintenance in case anything was damaged within or without from the sudden attack. As well as repairing the cannons that were damaged. While they were at hard work, Kan went out to start seeking more business, mostly to see what could be barter and quired in information. As well as future bounties to take.

While there wasn’t nothing to note for business or opportunity...there was a chance to gain something, as she discover a poster of a race. One with a rather large prize attach as she grabbed the paper to bring to the mutt. While she may not be interested in such petty mortal competition? Kan knew that with a prize of 100 gold shillings? Well, it was too good of a opportunity to take. Especially with the striped knack for creating things.

However...While she was looking at the bounties? Did she noticed a wanted poster for Sieg, or ‘Whirlwind’. Wanted dead or alive, on the crimes of stealing a slave from the prince that Ash mentioned when they first arrived to the city. Her eyes nearly widen of the price of gaining him alive, with the added bonus of bringing Book. 20 gold shillings for him alive...and 50 gold shillings for Book capture? thought Kan as she grabbed the bounty off the poster. She also noticed that Ash gotten her own...although it was a ‘masked hooded being’, being of bipedal as her crimes were ‘interfering with the law of the prince, defying the guards, and escaping the law’.

With her bounty price being around a gold shilling. Kan ignored that for the most part, as it wasn’t important to her than what she found.

Knowing that if the prince brought up the bounty, then he marked the ‘pegasus’ as a criminal and something for all the bounty hunters, mercenaries, or low-lives to take either dead or alive. Especially on Book capture. While she may not care for either...they were also useful to a extent. As Kan trott back to the ship, she consider on bringing a fake body of ‘Whirlwind’ to the prince…

But it was debatable on if they should ‘capture’ Book on not. Mostly on how to acquire her back for the damned changeling. She doubted he would agree to this, even more if the damned cats were on his side, and she knew that the cats consider Book as a friend. So it was left on standby for now.

As she reached to the ship, she enter through the ramp and told on a nearby comm gem. “Everyone, get into the discussion room. I have something of intrest to us all.” turning it off as she herself headed to the little area to discuss things or topics, or where Kan like to count the money now and then. As she came in first and waited, she noticed Nowa was the first to enter, the demoness waited for the other's as one by one-- or two by two in the case of Sieg and Book. As well as the mutt and his mechancial mutt.

Within enough time, she place down the wanted poster first, Sieg looking surprise as Kan remarked. “It seems that you gained a wanted poster.” Book shifted close to the changeling, noticing a added bit of her retreveal price as Kan went on. “I figure that this should be brought up, mostly since we know that soon enough Arabia would be filled with this poster.” giving a glance to Sieg as she told.

“So its best if you went in a different disguise and Book wore something to hide herself.”

“While thats all and good,” said Phobia as he pulled up his goggles with a scowl on his face. “Could of this be waited? We know there's a bounty for him, but why bring all of us together for a wanted poster?” Kan smirk as she brought up the announcement of the race as she said.

“This. I figure this should garner everyone attention, with it’s high prize.” letting them all look as Sieg raise a brow, while Book tilt her head, figuring that it would explain why they were called here...for some reason.

Phobia glance down and asked. “And your thinking I’m interested in this...why?” Kan snort and tap her hoof on the paper telling.

“The price is 100 gold shillings, we can use this to pay off all the gold we had to spent on getting the parts from Nickle Hoof. Even more?” there was a smirk on her face. “There is a attached prize of a exotic slave.” already knowing there was a interest in his eyes now as she comment. “Not many details...but they’re exotic and a female.” she saw the gears working in his mind as this was almost too easy to bait the idiot with his greed and lust. (done)

Reaching out a hoof to take a look at the paper, Nowa thought it over and read it before saying, “I know about this things.” Tapping away at the poster and explaining, “be bit of a sport we do here in the sands. Only so many city’s do it. But they aint easy. You gotta have a fast dingy, a good flyier behind the wheel and be ready fer tricks.” Looking to those at the table, she shook her head. “Add’s ‘excitment’ to the race with the competitors tryin’ to knock or sabotage the other durin’ the race. Real risky-- but rewards are normally pretty high like this.” (end)

“Dingys eh?” mused the Stripe, having a hand under his chin as he asked. “You tried your hoof at these races, Nowa?” (done)

“Few times.” Admitted the mare. “Once was when I was a pite small. Just getting started. Almost died by bein’ ramed nearly inta a rock by a racer-- but it got me to start flyin’.” She chuckled at the memory before alming. “Didn’t win that one. Bu’ I won a couple. They do pay pretty high, last time it was 100 gold was a couple years back durin’ a celebration.” Pointing a hoof to him, Nowa said, “the competitions gonna be real rough, boyo. Best be ready fer dirty tricks.” (end)

“The real question is, are you able to make a dingy good?” spoke Kan with a raise snout. “After all, you might be a stripe, but you’re also a idiot too.”

Phobia furrowed his brows and snort out as he told with crossed arms. “Oh I can make a dingy superior than what they got...its making the parts, as well as making sure it won’t crash that’s the problem. If I hear right from Nowa, they’re going to be a major pain.” then told. “Oh yeah, that reminds me, Copper quit.” there was a brief moment as Kan stare at him….then screech out.

“WHAT!?!” then jabbed a accusing hoof at him. “What. did. You. do!?”

To which Scrappy informed. “Enginner Copper argue with Phobia, he disliked how she was ‘messing’ with his creation, has been annoyed of the ‘flaws’, even irritated of making a new blueprints to ‘improve’ his ship and make it ‘ship worthy’. However she decided to push the blueprints of new and original, and told,” Switching into Copper tone of voice as he play the recording. “You want sum person’ t’ keep this ship the mess it is? Here, go see me Brother, let him deal with the likes o’ you an’ yer messy ship, laddy!’

Ending the recording as Scrappy added. “She made directions into the Iron Holds for us to find her brother to assist my creator. Someone named Jiru, no information available.”

Kan eye twitched as she said. “You...refused to let her improve this ship...because of your damned Stripe pride!?”

“Pride?!” scoffed Phobia as he jab a finger at her.” You of all demoness should know, Stripes don’t trust other's so easily when it comes to their creations, even less on working on it! I may have tolerated her criticism and her improve work-- but I refuse her to take apart my ship and remove the hard work I made into it! Especially when she isn’t Clan!”

Kan rub her forehead as she wanted to slap him right now. In fact she was considering on doing it as Phobia said to Nowa. “Now Nowa, if I improve one of the dingys and put it in the race-- you think you can fly it with me to ensure we win?” (done)

Thinking on it, Nowa nodded and told, “sure can, hon.” Then pointedly told, “just don’t go an’ do what you did with the bridge the first time. Give me the basic’s, go on a few test flight’s with ya, an’ I’ll clear it when I think it’d be good.” Then thought to add, “an’ if yer commin’ with? You’ll be the one mannin’ all the parts that keeps us flyin’ and keep knock the competition off us tryin’ to sink us.” (end)

Having a wide toothy grin, Phobia told. “Nowa, Nowa, Nowa...While its true the ship business isn’t my full forte…” then let out a hyena cackle. “Dingys are what most Stripes use! We craft and improve Dingys all the time back at the Isles!” then raised a finger and proclaim. “I’ll make this dingy the best work I ever done, and make sure that any who try to mess with us?” giving a malicious grin. “Is going to regret crossing us.” then told to Scrappy.

“Quick, to the hangers!” rushing out in mad cackles, as Scrappy follow pursuit, as Kan comment to Nowa.

“Better have a back up plan Nowa, especially now since Stripes are near suicidal while flying dingys.” Sieg glance to Kan, then to Nowa, then to Book as the changeling spoke.

“If you pardon us, we’ll be heading back.” then glance to Book with a smile as he said. “Book was about to show me some of her cooking.” the unicorn giggle with a light blush, as the two turned and trot out while Kan rolled her eyes and said in unamusement.

“Saps.”

Shaking her head, Nowa said, “well, I got thing’s to do me’self.” Then said to Kan with a smirk, “an’ this race be a real suicide thing as is. If he makes a ship that’s like the race? Makes it all the more exciting is all!” Giving a hearty laugh while trotting out to get to her own work. Maybe check on the old minotaur about his force and the ship parts. (End)

Kan shook her head, taking both papers as she rolled them into her buisness suit, trotting back to her room as to figure out the cost effects of the price to enter in, as well as how much they would spend to make sure they could get what ever the Stripe was ‘cooking’ up. Who knows...maybe he’ll make something decent than those scrap junks they called dingys back at the Isles. although she knew that was for sure, mostly since if a Stripe could make a flyable piece of junk move in fine tuning? She knew that with the amount of parts here…

Phobia would surely craft something.

There was a mad cackle in the area where they kept the ketch, as a single dinghy was currently being crafted, or rather improved as Phobia, along with Scrappy with the toolbox was making a unique thing. The Stripe was adding some things onto it that most Stripes would add. A small engine on the back, a ‘thruster’ to increase the speed of the dinghy. Even adding some platting to improve the wooden thing defense.

“Scrappy!” commanded the Stripe with a mad grin on his face, goggles over his eyes as he told. “Activate the mad genius music!” The mechanical wolf search in his databanks of music the Stripes would sing in their chants, or in this case, what Phobia would listen to, as Scrappy began playing a song. Phobia cackle more, as he began working more on the dinghy on it’s sails.

Grafting runes on the sail cloth, the wood of the ship for improve defense-- doing everything with his superior intellect to use every resource and knowledge he held to craft a dinghy to make all other dinghys inferior to his grand design! Scrappy merely assist in what he could do, be it gather a specific tool, order some golems to grab more metals or parts, or just keep playing the chants he recorded in his system to assist his creator.

Scrappy knew that with how fast work his creator was going it, the Stripe must have gain idea after idea on making this dinghy much more better than the standard version. Already scanning and analyzing it, the mechanical wolf had started to make sure to input advice or suggestions if needed be to improve his creator success in winning the race. Not just for the money...but to gain a new potential slave to be with.

After all, he still had to make sure his creator percentage levels decreases for good. (done)

This would be the first time Pobia would say he had ever been entered into a competition. There was a slight entrance fee for them to pay to get in, but considering the reward that awaited him? It was a small exchange. Ash and Najat were not around, and for good reason. While the herno was confident in her sneaking skills, she had long since opted to just hide away in the ship and minimize the chances of being spotted.

Najat in turn stayed with her, mostly to stay out of the heat of the sun. Sieg and Book wanted to come with, but seeing as both Sultain and his son would be overseeing this race-- they also opted to stay hidden in the ship for the time being. Or, at least Book. Sieg came out to keep an eye on his boss and be sure there was someone there to aid him.

Kan herself was doing a little business-- or rather coning people to bet against Phobia’s ship that looked a bit like a scrap pile to some. She knew that comparatively, his ship was possibly the most liable to win. Making people bet against him would later rack in a huge amount of bits for them.

It was risky to place 10 gold shilling’s on the bet for Phobia, but with those stacking against the striped? She figured that if he pulls through, they will get possibly ten times that amount or more.

Moving with the dinghy and keeping an eye on the competitors ranging from horse, to gnoll, to pony and even what looked to be a few D-dogs, Nowa said, “you best be keepin’ those eyes sharp, Phob’s. Let any of these lot near the ship an’ they might try somthin’.” (end)

Having a smirk on his face, he pat the go-to weapon in his hands as the grenade launch was full of grenade ammunition. He improve the thing to have a increase of grenades to shoot. Granted he would need to quickly refill them with what grenades he was able to resupply himself, but he was sure to beat them...Although he noticed some having a harpoon on it’s bow, another with a small cannon, and another as a fishing boat with spears as he noticed one having a slaver ship with a chest being closed on what it has.

Scrappy analyzed over them, as he walked with the two, already seeing that some of these ships were powerful in their own right. Looking back to the sail boat with metal covering it’s sides, it’s engine, even the attached small cannon Phobia added in precaution. Scrappy soon informed. “Navigator Nowa is correct, we must be diligent, do not assume we will win.”

Phobia hum as he pat on the mechanical wolf head as he said. “Yeah..with how some of these lot will do dirty tricks? Even that chest with the slavers? Something tells me we’re going to have trouble…” then look to Nowa as he asked with a grin. “You think you can handle the simple controls I showed you?” (done)

Huffing, Nowa told, “should do. But I’d would of liked t’ put it through a run before doin’ this.” She looked about as the racers began to organize into a line to prepare. “Get to know how she fly’s an’ all.” (

Cracking his neck, Phobia agreed. “Believe me, I want to see if I need to tweak it if there was a problem-- but with how close the date was to race? I’m lucky I managed to finish before we had to come here.” then said. “But if worse comes to worse? I’ll just do what any Stripe worth their stripes do. Improvise.” (done)

Giving another look about to be sure none were trying to sneak their way to them, Nowa told, “you an’ Scrap’s just try an’ do ya job, alrigh’? I drive, you two keep this bucket going.” Eyeing the dinghy, she remarked, “I got a gut feelin’ this’ll be it’s first and last race.” (End)

Shaking his head a bit, he moved to get on the dinghy, helping Scrappy to get on as the Stripe made some last minute check ups as they waited for Nowa to get on herself. Phobia looking over the engine as he knew that he did what he could in such a short notice-- but knew that his crafted dinghy would win. Even if he would need to cheat and add a few things to it to make it win.

Scrappy took constant attention around the dinghy as he was caculating every variable, every factor, and on the scenarios as they heard the announcer speak.

“Attention everyone! Now its time to see who will win, who will lose-- or who will be burnt in the sky of the sands of arabia!” cheer came from the crowds on their stands, as Kan held a critical gaze the the dinghy, hearing remarks of how the ‘pathetic thing’ was going to be lost in the sands. She didn’t pay too much attention to them, but knew that if the mutt managed to win, then they would rank in such winnings of a half a year at least.

Sieg, or ‘White Horn’ the unicorn, look over with his eye as he didn’t like how the odds were stacked against the Stripe. Part of him wonder why the Stripe didn’t add more than what he had. Unless the Stripe didn’t had all the parts he needed to make the dinghy a bit better. Who knows, maybe the Stripe had a ace up his sleeve on the thing? (done)

Nowa got on the ship and began to slightly position it move in line with the rest of the ships. She eyed each of her competitors with a sharp and keen gaze. Many of their tricks out in the open for her to pick out. Mind working out a plan to get through this in relatively one piece.

Before them, was their place to race. It was easily navigated enough with it’s many blue circles on poles to help the racers know their course. And it was a bit of a tight one. Plenty of jutting rock faces, a small cliffside area in a sharp decline-- there was a cavern area with no doubt a number of hidden rock formations to run into.

It twisted and curved almost chaotically. And knowing the speeds they might be going, it would be a risky venture to make. Though a challenge she looked forwards too as well. Flicking her ears, she heard. “First of three laps wins and reaps the rewards of this race.” A few looking up to see the prized chest, open and gleaming with gold. And by it and held in place by a chained collar to the floor with red-trasparent like cloths that hid none of her body in truth, was something that neither striped nor mare could define. Well, besides them being a form of bipedal fox, one with artful red markings over her shoulders, legs and even cheeks and eyes. The three fox tails with red-artful tips were also a surprise.

None were more surprised than Kan, who could spot a Kitsune when she saw one. Though how they got a kitsune was a wonder. What made her wonder more, was the multiple tails, abnormal to say the least. How’s and why’s spun in her head, partially missing the announcement of the Sultan and PRince overseeing the race… but did catch the next part. “Racer’s ready? Set…. GO!”

Nowa throttled the ship and took off as soon as possible. She shifted and swerved the small ship about to avoid a few of the others that seemed to suddenly burst forwards-- and not seconds in, one of the ships got in close before one of the competition was hit by what looked to be a little pop-out saw on the side, ripping and tearing into the side and making the victim veer away and slow.

Speeding past this and making up the 6th place spot in the vast group of 17, she kept her eyes front and told, “keep them off me Phob’s! It’s gonna get ugly real fast soon!” (end)

The Stripe held up his weapon as he quickly look as he said. “Scrappy, calculate and go full time.” the mechanical wolf was moving his head around in a 360 degree as he was pushing his processors on full work to ensure they had total victory. The Stripe kept a good look with his goggles over his eyes, mostly to keep sand out as raised the grenade launcher with a smoke grenade.

Firing onto a ship that was trying to get close to them as smoke erupt, while the captain of that dinghy was trying to see, Phobia felt the turn of the dinghy they were on as the victim behind them speed on through and crash into a boulder. More ships kept moving as Phobia switch to the next grenade, Scrappy alerted. “Left!” as he heard a boom of a cannon fire as Nowa swerved the dinghy.

Phobia fired the next smoke grenade as he quickly added the default grenade to make another shot at it’s hull.

The ship in question did not get a face-full of smoke like the last. Phobia blinked and watched his grenade stop and roll in the air, a unicorn on the enemy ship’s doc giveing a grin and tossing it back by magic. Phobia felt like cursing when it hit the side of their ship, blinding Nowa.

Though instead of panicking, Nowa pulled up on the ship to make it go slightly skywards. The smoke was gone before it had too much of a chance to blind them, and on their way down, they skimmed the sands and got back into balance. She swerved away and went to sail past a different ship-- mostly to keep a distance of the one with the unicorn that might use their own arms on them.

“Hold tight!” Nowa warned the two before turning with the other ships. Phobia watched as piller’s of stone flyby, the ship tilting constantly left and right as Nowa went around each pillar of stone. At one point, Scrappy watched the ship from before fire another cannon, though not at them, it was fired ahead. It still alerted him as he warned for a sharp right.

Nowa blindly trusted, and it was good. The black ball of iron collided with a ship, making it swire out of control and hit a pillar of stone. Breaking apart, the path they would of taken was blinded by smoke and fire-- a few racers going through and taking the risk. One getting part of their ship’s side fractured and causing them to slow upon slight impact with a stone wall. (end)

And while Phobia would of felt concern of their lives or shouting in any other circumstances? The movement of the dinghy around the sands, the high-speed energy pumping in his body, the fact that it was a life or death situation where they could die? It just made the Stripe felt partially nostalgia and grinning like a idiot. He felt like he was among another Stripe, moving in twists and turns against the environment. Noticing a cave coming up as he saw Scrappy activating his optics lights.

The Stripe quickly turn to aim at above as he fired more smoke grenades, two really as he wanted to conserved as much as he could for later on in the race. Especially against other ships with more dirty tricks. As Nowa moved the dinghy around in the darkness, with Scrappy providing the lights, Phobia had to keep a constant watch on their back if they were attacked. (done)

It was clear they were taking a bit of a lead, the darkness making it hard for the other’s to simply navigate safely through. One raver suffered a unfortunate accident, one that made a bright flashing plume of fire to light the dark cave. On the way out though, in the sunlight where they were in the top 5, did the chaos get back on track.

It namely started when a popping of air was heard from within the cave, followed by a streaking silver. With a jolt, Nowa, Scrappy and Phobia had to slightly hold on and their ship seeming to pull back. Over the side, Phobia glanced to find a long rope line, one that shook and tugged at the hull it was embedded in.

Like a whip, the ship with a harpoon launcher speed up to them fast, a snapping sound being heard as the rope line was cut and the ship zoomed past, a dog taunting them as the three were both slowed and used as a slingshot for the crew of dogs that took 5th, 4th-- not 3rd place in the race. Harpoon and some rope still stuck on their aft. (End)

Glaring under his goggles, the Stripe move to pull the harpoon out, as he told to Nowa. “Nowa, pull the blue lever.” then heard her giving a ‘no’ response as Scrappy went back on watch alert as he heard something about them in their ‘first lap’, to which Scrappy input.

“Use best tricks for last lap.” The stripe grumble, but kept a look out on their back as he hated for the dirty trick the dogs pulled. His hatred for diamond-dogs grew even more.

Turning around the next bend that would begin a straight away for the finish line to complete their first circuit, Nowa informed, “we still got plenty o’ these lot in the race. Be ready, this is the ‘crazy’ part.” the two wondered to that, but as they dodged a few more ships.. It became pretty clear.

Such as the slaver’s dinghy ship. They swirved about the others and with a chest open, two of the crew took something out. One tossing a rope over with a number of hooks for ends, the other tossing out what looked to be a net.

One got caught on a ship and with the many hooks, caught on something in the rock-filled sands. The ship was tugged and caused to hit the ground, skidding and barely staying aloft as there was some serious damage. The other that got hit with a net had it’s crew a little tangled and unable to do much to help.

The cannon from the other ship sounded, more fire being sent around-- this time with chain-balls, the linked cannonballs flying through the air like deadly bola’s for ships. Nowa swerved them around, slowing and speeding back up to avoid the crazy chaos all around-- even having to pull back when the ship with the ‘buzz-saw-side’ came close and cut a very jagged line into their side. (End)

Phobia wanted to hit at the ship, but consider with the chaos moving around them as he heard Scrappy telling. “Down!” feeling the dinghy moving down as a net moved over where they were at as Phobia had to turn back to fire a smoke grenade, not trusting his usual grenades if they had a unicorn with them to move it back to the three. In all honesty, Phobia wished he could have used the ketch ship. At least that way he could use the experiment weapons on it to shoot at the other's!

But since this was a dinghy racing? Well...he had to make do. (done)

“Here comes them rocks again!” Nowa warned the two in advance while getting into the thick of it with the many rock pillars. With so much going through the air, Nowa seemed to take a bit more objective to skim around the more tighter spaces for cover.

At one point, a cannon ball flew over the races, and instead of impacting on a ship, it hit a pillar. A ‘miss’ in Scrappy’s initial calculation. Calculations he had to remake when the pillar tilted and the top half fell, causing it to shower rocks. Nowa saw it just as quickly and got out of the way, avoiding falling and some collapsing stone around them. Some battering their ship along the way. (End)

While Phobia almost shouting at the ships, he had to keep focus on his surroundings, as well as using his weapon to do what he could in this race. He however felt that wide grin on his face. He felt exhilarated, thrilled-- even a bit on edge...He hasn’t felt this alive in months-- maybe a near year? It was hard to say with so much around him to think, but he reacted with every new problem, with every new scenario as he fired when he could, or switch ammo to use at a appropriate time.

One thought came up his mind. If we managed to win this, I’m making Nowa a honorary Stripe. Scrappy alert. “Cave.” starting up his optics again, as this time Phobia kept his focus on their back, he didn’t want those damned dogs to do their trick like last time, or for some other ship to try to force them into a problem. (done)

As each zoomed inside, they began to once more inch for the lead. The chaos had stopped, and for a fair reason since none wanted to bring the cave down on themselves. With the darkness and Scarppy to help light at least their way, it was much easier to navigate and pass other ships.

Nowa pushed themselves to go faster and with a little shortcut through some tight stalactites and stalactites, they went from 7th, and more to 3rd-- passing the dog’s up all the while. While they came back into the light, sands swirling in their wake, there was a popping sound once more... (End)

This time Phobia was prepared, Bracing on the railing as he waited for the hook to hit and watch them coming up. Then grinned as he fired a few grenades onto their ship deck as they passed by, there was a time delay as they cut the ropes off with the harpoon…

There was a booming as they passed by their ship as Phobia mocked. “Ha! That’ll teach you mutts to use us like that!” (done)

Swerving around the burning wreck that splintered and nearly hit their ship, Nowa laughed out, “havon’ fun, eh?” Then refocused to slow and let a ship fly past their own, their intent to ram their dinghy being completely foil while Nowa speed up and rammed their steel bow into their Aft’s. The rotters sparked and broke, causing the ship to veer and soon crash and slide in the sands while Nowa steered their ship about and slightly began to hold the 3rd place. (End)

As they were moving, Scrappy was quickly calculating the remaining ships, what they had, and how they could gain first place. He knew the unicorn on that one ship was trouble, as when they pass by the line of the last lap, Scrappy had to work more on a winning success. He wanted to win not just for his creator pride, but to gain that exotic slave for his creator. Quickly moving his head around in that 360, he warned.

“Right!” another booming came of a cannon shot was fired as the dinghy quickly moved and Phobia grumble.

“Damn that ship.” (done)

Thinking some, Nowa spoke, “Phob’s!” Making her turns that would soon lead them to the stone-pillar part of the course. “How many of ‘em bombs you got left?” (end)

“10 normal, 6 smoke, and 2 new grenades I test called infernal.” quickly told the Stripe as he asked. “When and how many?” already figuring out she was going to let him fire the grenades to get rid of competition. (done)

“The pillers.” Nowa began as they came out of the twisting part of the course and began to head for the stone-pillars. “I want ya to use ‘em normal ones much as ya like, bring the place down much as ya can t’ slow the others!” Then grinned out, “make it rain stone!” (end)

Cackling, Phobia loaded up with the normal grenades as he began firing all over, using each grenade to hit at the top, the bottom, anywhere with the pillars as he laugh in a mad manner. Scrappy soon saw the inevitable chaos as the stone pillars exploded, coming down behind them as pillars, pieces of pillars, stone raining down as the creator laugh and cackle in mad gleam and excitement of the destruction he cause. (done)

The many competitors swiveled, turned, lifted, lowered-- doing everything they could to avoid the raining stone. Nowa smirked and pushed forwards with the top 4, their little ‘cannon problem’ being left in the raiing stone. When the cave once more came up though, she was more than happy to have Scrappy to shine lights. Mostly due to one of the top four, the one with the unicorn, gave off a bright flash that blinded everyone.

While there was a spot in her sights, Nowa could still slightly see and had to make a few fast turns. Their hull making whines and screeches as they hit a few low rocks or walls. There was a explosion somewhere, telling them that one of the blinded ships crashed in the cave.

Dodging and weaving, their ship, the unicorn’s ship and one other made it out, the three still holding third. Breathing in, Nowa placed a hoov on the leer and waited. They made their final turn and she could see the straight away. Waiting, she prepared to pull it when the two ships parted, then gave it a pull. (end)

The sails suddenly were pulled up as the engines gave whirring sound, and within a second the dinghy went fast. The thrusters were flaring with life of the flames, Scrappy had to claw at the dinghy for not being thrown off as Phobia grinned wide. As the dingy zoomed past the other two ships and stealing first place. As the audience watch with Nowa trying to put on the breaks as the finish lines comes way too fast, Phobia assist by gripping the ‘emergency brakes’.

As they flying past the finish line, dust cloud in their wake as there was a harsh screeching sound, the whole underside of the ship all sanded smooth or near torn off from trying to stop, sliding in the sand to help it stop. As there was a slowness that came, Scrappy soon spoke. “Adding note: Less runic chargers on engine core to accelerate dinghy, will almost kill whoever used it.” (done)

“I think ya just need better breaks!” Nowa half shouted while looking back. “We be yards away from the finish line… hold up, I’ll just…” Starting the ship up… and the thing not moving. She tried to make it go, but it just sat there. Looking back, Phobia found that their rotters were gone… and all that was really left were the now spinning poles that used to hold propellers. (end)

“...at least I can salvage the engines.” said the stripe, as he went on. “Can’t really make this fly...especially with so much is destoryed or in the sands.” then heard a hissing sound and they noticed...it was smoking alot…

To which the stripe quickly got off and ran as Scrappy follow pursuit. (done)

Feeling that odd gut feeling stir, Nowa jumped ship and ran back for the starting line. Those at the two ships looked to the other, a gleam in their eyes about scavenging the abandoned ship…. Before it blew up. All watched as the little ship blew up a few times, red and blue plums flashing and going high… then stopping.

After a moment, Nowa turned to Phobia and said, “told ya it ain’t lastin’ past this race.” (end)

Staring at the remains, or few remains of the scorch area, Phobia smile, then lowly chuckle, then laughed uproariously as he place a hand over his eyes. Feeling not anger, or annoyance, or even irritation he lost it...but, pride? Happiness? A sort of joy he forgotten he had in a long time as he lower his hand and look to Nowa as he held a wide grin. “Nowa...that was probably the closest thing of a Stripe experience I ever felt!”

Moving by Nowa to give a one arm hug as he told in a tone of happiness. “You Nowa, are one of the few I can claim to be a honorary Stripe to me!” (done)

“Aw, ain’t that flatterin’?” Half teased the mare. “Bu’, mushy stuff later!” Pointing to the horses that were bringing along the chest and the slave. “We go’ loot to take!” Then soon added, “an’ a slave, but I’m more focused on the gold.” (end)

Laughing a bit more camly now, he let go of her as he said. “I am too, but my focus is elsewhere…” said the stripe as Scrappy follow, as a...happy feeling was in the mechanical wolf. For once there was a solution. A solution to his creator needs. A solution to lower the percentage. A solution to make that scenario impossible now. And best of all? No Najat or Ash to interfere into this. (done)

As they came before the horses, one placed down the small chest that had the hundred gold shillings, while the other slightly tugged along the hardly-clothed vixen’s chain lead. She didn’t smile to both, and didn’t seem to open her eyes in the least. While Phobia was able to take in her slim and lean form that was similar to Najat’s own, he was aware of the bits that were not really hidden by the thin red see through fabric and the red markings that gracefully flowed on her shoulders and legs.

With a smile, the horse spoke, “congratulations, that was quite a finish.” having a gleam in his eyes. “Your prize money, and the slave as promised.” Motioning to the vixen. “Will you be needing any aid in--”

“We be gettn’ it.” Nowa waved off. “Why, a couple of our helpers are on their way righ’...... now.” Motioning her hea to both Kan, whom had a few large bags over her sides, and a coming up white unicorn. (End)

There was a smirk on Kan face, as ‘White Horn’ horn glowed to grab the chest in magic. While Phobia took the leash as he was about to ask the name of the vixen, until he noticed Kan mouthing to him with seriousness. ‘Do not try to fondle her or look at her.’ it made Phobia question on why, but seeing the serious look, he decided he would listen to her...for now.

Form what he gather, she knew what this vixen was at the very least. So as he took the lead to head back to the ship with the other's, Kan felt something both familiar and off with this kitsune. Like she was a sort of ascend...but not at the same time. It bother her to no end.