Conquest Horizon

There was no real time wasted to get back to the ship-- mostly to avoid any that wanted to later ‘sponsor’ the Striped or have a chance to gain his manner of engineering. Nowa seemed keen on this sort of plan, telling them they could be like the most greediest grubbing businessmen they would ever see.

Though once on the ship, Nowa had to question with a teasing smile, “so… now that you got your booty, what’cha plan to do, eh?” Chuckling a bit and missing the slight sideways glance the rather mute vixen gave. Being as wordless as when she was first gained, and never speeding or slowing her pace either. (End)

Phobia thought for a moment...and admit. “I honestly have no idea.” and he was admitally unsure, mostly because while he wanted to get close to her...something in his mind told him that caution was needed. Especially with how Kan stated for him to not do anything to her as he partially glance back to her and decided to ask. “Do you have a name or…” already thinking that if this was eactly like the whole Najat thing?

well...He rather not have another unknown species to come after and kill him. (done)

The others looked in curiosity, even know the vixen remained silent, only suitable lifting a brow at Phobia.

Nowa eyed the female and asked, “ya… gonna answer him lass?” WAiting as the vixen remained silent, staring at them with her… well, closed eyes. Really, they couldn’t tell if they were really closed or just tight. It was hard to tell, but it was obvious she could see… only, it just looked like her eyes were truly closed. (end)

Phobia consider if her collar was made to keep her silent. In all honesty, it might have been, since the last collar he saw on another was a magical one...although the collar was leather and had oddly wrapped papers around with odd symbols. Which weren’t even runes itself. Kan however spoke in.

“Don’t bother you two, she has seals on her collar.” looking to them as she told on. “They’re used by Kitsune and Hernos, very tight secrets of usage.” Phobia felt that feelin struck more as he asked.

“Wait, she’s…” to which Kan nodded.

“A Kitsune...I think.”

“You think?” spoke Sieg as his horn still glowed in holding the chest of gold as Kan snort.

“Most Kitsune don’t have three tails, or markings like she does. She’s...nothing like a Kitsune I ever saw...Don’t even know where she came from.” Phobia however held a flat face and said.

“If those two see her and want me to free her-- I’m washing my hands clean.” already seeing that this’ll be a repeat of the whole issue like last time...although Scrappy spoke.

“The chances of them knowing this female is unlikely, however the chances of their request is undecided.” Phobia glance to his friend, and glance to Kan as he wanted to ask on why she gave that warning...but not with the mute vixen around. Something tells him in his gut that caution is a must...at least for now. (done)

Nowa nodded… then chirped, “anyhow… sieg, bud, pal!” Inching next to him, “why don’ we go and make sure this little chest gets to its place safely and locked up, eh?” Hoof tracing and patting the small chest almost lovingly. (End)

Rolling his eyes, he told flatly. “5 gold shillings for you.” To which Phobia corrected.

“10 gold shillings.” it made both Kan and Sieg glance to him as he told. “She’s a honorary Stripe now, so she get a fair share.” Kan stare at him….then look to Nowa with a exaggerated look at Nowa first blinking, then grinning widely as Kan told flatly.

“You have no idea what that means for a Stripe. To make them consider you as a honorary Stripe of all things.” (Done)

Scoffing, Nowa told to the demoness, “it sounds like he be callin’ me crew, is what it sounds like.” Holding her head up and smirked, “I actually like the sound o’ it. Not jus’ some navigator.” Then mused out, “crewmate Nowa, navigator…” Then nodded smugly, “sound’s rgh’ to me!” Then pumped sieg. “Com’on, Captian’s share needs t’ be out up, pronto!” (End)

Sieg rolled his eye, but glance to Phobia with a unasked question as Phobia grin and said. “Yes, yes you are too.” there was a smile on Sieg, feeling the positive emotions from the Stripe as he hurried along with Nowa as Kan scoff, but as the two equines moved up ahead, she examined the odd kitsune. She partially wonder if the Kitsune was planning on killing the stripe? Maybe when his guard was lower…

That was possible. Although it would be annoying as she would need to have a new business elsewhere. Still, she would keep her eye on this one...there was something familiar about her, but she didn’t know where. As they headed closer to the ship and to the ramp, Phobia look on in thought, mostly of the thoughts if the two will demand for the Kitsune freedom, and was thinking if he should or shouldn’t-- although part of him consider that they might force it, with Ash doing something to Najat collar…

It was possible that she could easily do it again.

Seriously, if I say no, she could either force it off, with Najat helping her. And if I say yes, well...I can easily see Najat telling her what I am, and possibly kill me...meaning in short? I’ll be on my toes until we drop her off or something… feeling whatever happiness or potential thoughts he had were dashed down. He almost consider that the Markings were against him in their algin stars due to him being a Exiled. (done)

But, the two still didn’t know yet. Maybe he could stow the Kitsune in a room, see what made Kan give that warning, then work from there. In a way, this was his second chance to have a potential slave to all his needs. Even as he moved, she moved along with the same pace, keeping slack with the chain that leashed her.

Unlike Najat though, she was just… silent. There was no glaring, no irritation… and certainly no response to his questions. So maybe the collar wasn’t just like Najat’s, but it was still… strange how the female was just so mute… unless she couldn't speak? He wasn’t too sure… though just like Najat when she was bare and naked, this vixen was… just as appealing to look at with her see-through clothes. Even more those poofy three tails, making him wonder how soft those were. Almost tempting his thoughts to maybe touch them. (End)

He almost consider on touching them in all honesty, he never see anything poofy like...well, except for Najat tail. Then again, it was like these tails were the superior poofy ones than Najat single tail. By the Markings, he almost consider on touching her ears at one point! But then Kan look reminded him that he didn’t knew what a Kitsune was...and he recall that the Kitsune's made Arabians look like kids in a sandbox with their stealth and secrecy from what Kan mention.

So maybe it would be...a bit wise to keep her somewhere and talk to Kan. He rather not wake up to feel a blade slit his throat...or even consider on letting her do it. (done)

The only problem was… when he looked at this slave, she looked the very image of submission at the moment. Innocent in some ways. Was she really able to do that? It was very much hard to tell, but maybe he shouldn’t take the risk despite how much he wanted to take advantage of this. Talking to Kan to know what was going on would be best-- even more if his life was on the line. (End)

Yeah...best if I bring her to my room and let Scrappy keep a eye on her. thought the Stripe, as he quickly head to his room, moving as fast as he could to not encounter the two Hernos-- and gain answers from the demoness. As much as he didn’t like her...she had a lot of information she would tell him, and couldn't go against his orders due to the contract.

So once he enter in his room, he said to the Kitsune. “Just...sit down in that chair.” motioning to a chair on the side as he added to Scrappy. “Keep a eye on her, alert if anything happens.”

“Yes creator.” spoke the mechancial wolf as when the Stripe was gone, Scrappy sat on his haunches. Staring at her as she stair at him, both unblinking as Scrappy examined the female. Anayzling her as while she wasn’t as ‘hot’ as Najat was, she fit near the requirements of prefer female his creator desire. Yes she was slightly smaller and had a near same bust on her chest like Najat, but she also was more petite.

Sure not as curvy, but lean and slender like a Stripe. Even more ‘holdable’ in his creators grasp. Not to mention more tail to brush in ‘brushy’ with ‘Kitten’. But on the other limb, Scrappy was also taking in the account that her freedom will be demanded by both Ash and Najat. There was a high chance it will happen, she couldn’t stay in this room forever, the two will find out regardless.

That also...will potentially mean his creator will feel more frustrated and his percentage will increase higher to potentially 90%. Sure it’s in within 72% due to calling Nowa ‘clan’...but he had to take in very variable and factor in the chances anything could go wrong. (done)

Yet as he stared back at the kitsune that he really was unable to tell was blinking or not-- Scrappy had to reevaluate… this slave was a wildcard. He had no data on her, besides her looks that may arouse his creator. But there was, no personality or… anything to predict her actions.

And that… might be a slight problem.

(End)

“Kan, why did you warned me off on touching her?” qustioned Phobia, the two in her room as she was counting the bettings she gained from the con as she glnace to him and told.

“Because the contracted would of been cut short.” turning to him as she said. “Unlike the Herno? The Kitsune are secretive to the point their clans are hidden village from prying eyes. Each one different from the other and with all unqiue tradition. However one thing I can tell you for certainty? They are strong in the arts of deception, trickery, seduction as their tools. All Kitsunes are cunning...and can’t be underestimated.”

“So like the oppisote of a Herno?” asked Phobia with Kan nodding.

“Oh yes, while the honor varies from the Clan? The few on what I recall is that they view honor as a means to complete a task, in keeping secrets-- even protecting the family. As for the touching?” snorting a bit. “They’re vain, even more the females. Sure they know the ways of seduction, but don’t bother to use it. Most of the time they use such arts to assassinate their victum, not allowing other's to touch them.”

Then shrug. “No one really try to touch them, unless they have no reason to be bother...but if you are stupid enough to touch a kitsune tail, even more a female?” then gave a smirk. “Well...if a female allow you to touch it, you’re fine. If not and you do it? Let just say they will make their revenge deadly and strong.” seeing him pause a bit as she knew that he was paying attention as she told on.

“Now thre is the chance that those two cats will demand her freedom, and if she was freed? Well its hard to say. My best guess is that she’ll head home..but without knowing how her clan works, it’s hard to say…”

“Was there anything else you noticed from her?” asked the stripe as Kan nodded, giving a serious look.

“Yes. She has a powerful aura around her, mostly suppressed from the seals-- or the seals are suppressing the magic of them...But it could be two things. Or three things really. It could be Yokai magic-- a form of demonic magic...or bits of divine magic, or ascended magic...or maybe both?” shrugging abit. “Its hard to say at this point...what I’m more concern of is how she was captured, who sold her...and what she’s really like. Its obvious the seals are on for a reason…” then rolled her eyes.

“If those two demand her freedom, best to make sure you didn’t touch her and--hey wait where are you going!?” said the demoness as Phobia ws walking out, with a turn of his head he told.

“I heard enough. Basically no matter what I do, I’m fucked either way. Might as well tell the two and let them handle the Kitsune-- because I do not want some potentially dangerous demon or hgiher being to kill me or to do anything.”

“She has a magic of a Yokai, and maybe Divine-- but it doesn’t make her a higher being. She’s completely mortal as far as I can tell.” then told. “But with her having Yokai also means she’s not fully ‘mortal’.”

Snorting, Phobia told. “Which means it’s better to let those two handle this. This sounds like Iron Hold shit. And the last time I try to handle Iron Hold shit-- we got into the predictiment of the two. Best I nip this now before it becomes worse.”

“Releasing her could also be a worse mistake than keeping her as a slave.” making him pause as she told. “Right now? She is controlled with suppression magic, even if she isn’t a higher being like me, or a demon, or acend like a spirit-- she might be a haynu,” seeing the confuse look she scoff and told. “A half-demon. And there is no telling on what that may bring.”

It made Phobia pause, considering...and said. “The more you tell me, the more it’s better if I let them know,”

“And let the problem get worse?” question Kan in interruption as he jab a finger and told in a snarl.

“The last time I listen to you and let my selfishness be in control, Najat would kill me eventually! If I do it again, there’s no way things will work out fine.” then snort as he walk off as Kan facehoof and muttered.

“Idiot. Just a pure idiot.” As Phobia was walking off, he rubbed his eyes with his left hand, muttering to himself.

“Normal mortal things I can deal with, magical hernos I can deal with, even spirit bounds in items I can deal with. Half-breeds with the potential of unspeakable doom without sealing things on neck? Nope!” already intent on finding one of the Hernos-- or both at this point because he rather let them deal with the problem than him. (done)

With a bit of searching, he knocked on the two’s shared room door and waited. When it opened, Ash gave a slight yawn and blinked at him. On the floor was Najat in a meditation like kneel, the darker feline asking, “yooooo…..” Dragging out her greeting before stretching and asking with a slight yawn, “waaaa’tcha need?” Trying to apparently wake up some. (end)

Taking a deep breath, Phobia asked with cross arms. “What do you two know anything about ‘Haynus’, Yokai and seal things?” (done)

Najat opened her eyes and Ash shook herself more awake to blink at him and raise a brow. “Well, plenty I guess.” Then pushed, “why?” (end)

“Remember that race I went on with the prize? Turns out there was a exotic prize of a slave-- which in turns out to be a Kitsune with three tails...which in turns, Kan inform me that she could be a potential Haynu, Yokai, or ‘divine’ with seal suppressions on her collar-- and I rather let you two handle this since this seems more like your forte.” (done)

While Najat got up and moved by Ash at the door, both women gave him a… look. It was a odd look, and one that made him feel hairs raise on his back. Najat’s cold stair seemed all the more colder, even while she asked in a even tone. “Please. Why did you ask the demones for answers, and not us?” (end)

“Because she was there at the race at the time and could sense whatever this Kitsune was.” admit the stripe as he kept a even look. “Look I get it, you of all people don’t trust me-- I understand, I’m a shitty guy. But when Kan inform me of those sealing tags? Even more of the fact that the Kitsune...made me cautious for some reason. Like, cautious that I should be on my toes cautious.” looking to the two as he went on.

“But despite our meetings, our differences-- even I know in my insane mind when to not mess with certain things...and the whole ‘possible Haynu’ thing with sealing tags? That is one of the few things I’m willing to let someone else deal with.” (done)

Najat didn’t let her gaze falter. In fact, it didn’t seem to move a inch. “Trust, is not the issue, Phobia-san. That, is a different topic than this.” Studying him and going on, “you come to us with questions, of a slave you won. A prize you conveniently did not mention before after informing us there was a race to be held.”

Ash rolled her eyes and leaned on the doorframe some. “Yeah… that can be touched on for trust and all, but that’s not really the point of this right now.” The pointed to him. “I think we both know, the only reason you’re even asking us, is because if we knew you had a slave, we’d make some noise over it-- am I close?” Then going on, “I mean… it must of been some really sweet deal to just… go behind our backs and potential do the same to the next girl like you nearly did to Najat…” Watching the striped carefully. (End)

Giving a snort, he said. “First of all, there were no mentions of detail on that paper except of ‘exotic’ and female with the prize of 100 gold shillings.” then look to Ash and admit while having a even face. “And yes, you’re right, but with the whole Kitsune thing and what Kan mention? I figure I might as well get this over with than to find my throat slit later on in my life.” (done)

“Before that.” Najat spoke in, “would you have bothered to tell us of this slave? Even if they were not kitsune, or if Kan never spoke a word?” Adding with a slight chill, “speak your mind with truth.” (end)

Lifting his eyes in thought as he consider his words...and knew that no matter how he plots, no matter how much he’ll try to evade...they’ll find out. They’ll always do. It was like the Markings marked him to be without a female by his side with these two around. Go all the way Phobia. You already put yourself in this position...might as well tell them the truth that you would...since anything I do or plan will be wrecked with the wildcards.

Looking back to them, he told. “Yeah. I would. Because I know sooner or later, you’ll figure out, you’ll probably say or do something to twist the knife in me-- and will make certain that your scorn will razed upon me-- so yes. I would of told you two eventually, the only reason I didn’t was because I wanted to be purely focus on a rushed job of the dinghy to make sure it didn’t burst halfway.” (done)

“Uh-huh.” Began Ash for a moment in thought. “Look, Phobia.” Crossing her arms as she spoke. “Do you even know why we’re giving you a hard time over this?” (end)

“Because I’m a shitty person and you two want to make sure I don’t hurt anyone mentally with mental and emotional trama?” (done)

Rolling her eyes, Ash said, “yeah, and you know why that is?” Giving him a long look as he thought.

But Najat answered anyways. “Because slaves of arabia are not treated fairly, Phobia-san. We are just items. Usable, replaceable, and only for the wants of whomever the Master is.” Her features darkening. “I was treated like prime meat, to be gen to those hungry for my body. And myself unable to top them.”

“You do not understand the feeling of despair, hopelessness nor fear that you could be used for any and all things your ‘master’ may wish, even if it were to break you.” For a moment, Najat seemed ready to do… something, just with how stormy her features became. “I have forgiven you, but the scars you placed on my mind have not left. They never will.”

Tilting her head, Ash asked, “you know, you gotta ask yourself… how would of you felt in her position if you had to do every little thing you were told, and couldn’t stop yourself?” (end)

He was silent, thinking for a brief moment. He never really consider it...but for that brief moment, he consider on him being in Najat position...and hum. hrm...in a way...I would probably feel on what Najat feels in a sense… in all honesty he would of planned a murder on whoever did that to him. Maybe make it to the point of finding a means to remove the collar…

A frown on his face as he look to the two and said netrualy. “Alright...you made your point clear enough…” then thought over in a hum as a finger tap on his chin. “Hrm..wonder if I should of start my conquering in Arabia? Would be rather...interesting to say the least.” (done)

The two cast a look at the ther, but Ash waved him off, “think about it later.” Going on to say, “you got a kitsune that’s maybe a haynu? Welp, show us the way.” Motioning down the hall. “We can talk on the way.” (end)

Putting that option on the side of his head, he turned to lead them as he said. “Right, well with the three tails on her, Kan consider her being a potential Hanyu...or a Yokai…” then glance to the two as he asked. “What is a Yokai anyway? Is it like Kan or Tyra or even that Camous?” (done)

“Yokai are demons.” Spoke Najat simply. “They are however, much more physical and often appear in the Land of Iron. They are immortal for the most part, and not easily slain. They are in truth, simply demons that are free from the very pits they were imprisoned in. the name Yokai, is simply the name we give them in our tongue.”

Nodding, Ash went on. “And it’s likely this girl’s a haynu. Demons are not the type you want to deal with. They will rape women if given the chance. And sometimes, half-demon kids pop up. And you can imagine how some locals feel about a half-demon being around.” Hand going one way. “Not mortal enough to be accepted by people.” Then wanded it the other way. “Not strong enough to be respected or feared by demons. They’re just ‘bastard’ children that get scoffed at by both sides.”

Looking a little thoughtful, Najat seemed to agree. “The yokai blood and magic that flow through them, it makes them strong. Stronger than mortals. And for that, they are often shunned and feared for what they might do. Their demon blood boils and can make them beasts to be feared indeed. Many often slay the haynu before they have a chance to grow. My village would of done the same if they ever spotted one being born by a mother.”

“I however, do not agree with such a notion.” Breathed out the white cat. “Ash always made a point. They are simply misunderstood. And even if you would of done things to her without telling us, it is good you informed us. She may be like many others, mistreated by those around her for simply being.” (End)

“Not to mention who knows what she might do with the seals off.” added Phobia as he shrug. “Maybe if she was misunderstood, she might hang out with you two or something…” then as they headed to his room he added. “Although one thing been buggering me, mostly on those weird markings on her.” opening the door to see…

Scrappy and the Kitsune in their exact spots and were having a staring contest as Phobia remarked. “Huh...look like they didn’t move.” (done)

While Najat didnt comment to that, Ash moved up and said, “hey.” Only getting a ear flick from the wordless kitsune. Tilting her head, Ash said, “... uh, name’s Ash. mind if I ask your name?” Still getting nothing, the kitsune still staring on at Scrappy.

Twisting her face, Ash moved to be in her line of sight, this time the kitsune glancing just a bit with a titled of her head. Smiling, Ash said, “come on…. Please?” Giving a smile even as the kitsune furrowed her brows. Blinking, Ash looked at herself and then touched her face saying, “what, this?” Then chuckled, “yeah… a demon did this to me.”

Najat rolled her eyes and moved to come into view, speaking with a slight nod. “I am Najat, kitsune-san. First heir to the Kummo clan.” Lifting her head and asking, “may we know your name?”

For a long while, the kitsune was silent, not opting to speak a word as she seemed to ‘look’ the two over. While she did, Phobia moved next to scrappy, seeing mostly to ask if anything had changed. Before that though, the kitsune spoke. “Mari.” It was said in such a simple manner, and not very loudly. “You… live here?” Then focused on Ash. “demon touched… and non deon touched?”

“Ash is free of demonic influence.” Najat explained. “I trust her with my very existence.” Then questioned. “You are sealed. Why?”

Remaining silent for a moment, the Kitsune told, “betrayed. Attacked. Feared by another clan.” (end)

I know how that feels… thought Phobia as he figured Ash would feel the same as he could make a rough assessment that since of her extra tails and being a hanyu-- she was betrayed and sold off by another clan. (dne)

“For being a haynu, right?” ashed Ash before chuckling, “I sorta know how that feels…”

Shaking her head, Mari told, “my caln… wanted me.” Pausing for a moment before speaking again. “Was scribe. Master of fuinjutsu.”

Perking to this, Najat immediately made a bit of a bow and spoke, “then it is a honor to meet one of your caliber, Mari-sama.” Getting a small smile from the quiet kitsune. (end)

Yeah...might as well ask the question now. mentally sighed Phobia, as he figured it was best to do this now and wash his hands clean from this as he asked. “Any idea on how to remove the seals on the collar? Something tells me trying to remove the collar itself is going to be problematic.” (done)

Nodding, Mari told, “made to hold. Strong. Will need time.” Thinking to herself as Ash walked up and inspected the seals some. “Not impossible. But ink needed. Will do. If allowed.”

“I got this.” Ash waved off, making the others look as she placed a hand on the collar. “Prepare to be amazed!” and like that, there was some purple sparking around her hand, the likes Scrappy saw before, and like that… Ash moved her hands to just tug the Collar open. “Done.”

Blinking, Mari lifted a hand and felt her neck, frowing her brows… then spoke, “you… steal. Steal its power.” Which got both striped and golem wandering. (End)

“Wait, that what you did?” asked Phobia with a glance to her. “Steal the magic of seals and just...make it null?” then thought and shook his head. “No...not steal and make it null...absorbe the magic to yourself...would explain a few things actually.” then told to Mari. “Names Phobia, and you’re free.” already turning to get into his chair. “I’m sure you three have a lot to talk about on stuff. Enjoy freedom Mari.” already focusing his mind on what he needed to do, and not consider on the ‘what-ifs’.

Scrappy, if he could? Would be frowning at his creator mood. (done)

Getting up, Mari spoke strongly, despite her soft voice. “You wished to touch me?” Making the strip pause. Though, he wasn’t sure if it was a accusation or a question. And when he turned, neither Najat or Ash seem to be willing to clarify for him. (End)

“...is that a accusation or a question?” spoke the Stripe in caution. (done)

Observing him for a moment, she spoke, “you wished to, but not. Why?” Seeming to measure him. It was hard to tell what she was truly asking, seeing as all her questions and words were so… short. (End)

Rolling his eyes as a low grumble came, he said. “Because I had a gut feeling that if I did, you would of killed me eventually. And I decided to ask someone else for...a brief summary, since I never met Kitsunes or heard of them.” (done)

“Wise.” told Mari. “touch, not bother. Fine, if done nice.” Making him blink at how she worded it. Did that mean she would of not minded if he touched her? Any thoughts on that were half-dashed as she told with a frowen. “Touch tails… place curse on you.” (End)

So the tails are a big no-no...figures. thought the stripe as he huffed and said. “Noted.” then asked with a raised brow. “Any more loaded questions, Mari?” (done)

She only tilted her head in a innocent… maybe even confused manner. “Loaded...question.” repeating the phrase in a unfamiliar manner.

Glancing, Najat spoke in a completely different language, one that was fast paced to the point Phobia had trouble picking up each word. In reaction, Mari soon responded with questions, just as quickly spoken. When Najat cleared it up, Mari nodded and spoke to Phobia. “None.” Then smiled to him. “But am pretty, yes?” (End)

For some reason...Phobia felt that gut instinct of a female giving a loaded question as he said in a cautious manner. “Yes...I do see you...attractive…” for some reason, he honestly had no idea if she was either ‘teasing’ him, or was about to make a subtle threat of some form. (done)

Still having that smile, she turned and spoke something in her native tongue. Something that made both Najat and Ash slightly giggle or snicker. While he was left confused, Ash told, “why don’t you go do something? Najat and I will get Mari something better on.”

Innocently, Mari spoke, “but pretty. Keep on to stay, yes?” Looking to Phobia for confirmation. Though both Najat and Ash looked ready to laugh, no matter how Phobia responded to that. (End)

Having a slight confuse expression, he said. “Yeah...just not in...public…” then added to Ash. “Although don’t you mean you three leaving, since this is my room and all?” (done)

“Who said we were staying?” Ash asked in return. “Come on Mari, let’s find you something better than that. Must be chilly to have.”

To that, Mari told, “is with ship. Not to sands.” Moving and glanced to phobia to go on. “Less if watched, yes?” Making Ash give a snicker and causing Najat to roll her eyes while the girls passed the lone male up. Leaving Phobia decidedly confused on what was going on, even as the three left. (End)

As the door was shut, he look to Scrappy and asked. “Do you know what the Markings jsut happen-- because I certaintly don’t.”

It took Scrappy a few moments to relook at everything...and confess. “Unknown, with unknown means to access their language, as well as both Hernos acting odd, and Kitsune asking odd quesitoning, I am unable to find a logical means to all of that. Paradoxical females.”

The Stripe sighed, moving to his chair to sit and agreed. “Yeah...something tells me that things might get worse now…” rubbing his face as he heard Scrappy saying.

“Unsure of that conclusion, creator. However I am certain that your check-up is needed on your mechanical limb and connection points.”

It made Phobia glance to his right arm, or more specifically to where metal and skin meet, near his side as it has been...a while since he last look over it. Already taking his armor pieces off as he said. “Yeah...need to make sure that it won’t rust or be damaged...lets up the bits of runic on it last, it’ll be a shame to take everything off for it to rust.” already planning on seeing if there were signs of damage on his arm…

Although he did added. “Make sure the defense runes are on...something tells me that Mari might decide to give the threat if I try anything later on tonight.”

“Acknowledge.” agreed the mechanical wolf, already moving to confirm if the runes were active or not, as while he let his creator work? He himself was trying to figure out Mari...but he couldn’t give a answer if she was boon ora problem. Wildcards. Oh how he started to dislike them. (done)

Phobia tapped his fingers away on a table and glanced up at where Mari had situated herself in the mess hall herself. Both were currently eating, and while the ship was almost fixed, there were a few things being tuned up. Currently, he was just trying to puzzle out Mari. Unlike Najat after her freedom, Mari… didn’t bother to avoid him or give any scathing looks.

For the most part, she seemed… fine with him. Granted, she spent a lot of time with Najat and Ash, speaking in their native tongue and laughing like a gaggle of girls on occasion. It took awhile to get some clothes-- namely cloth with Sieg’s help. But afterwards and some apparent sowing with Book (he found out later), did Mari have new red clothes.

Namely the red dress that was form fitting to her body. Unlike Ash’s or Najat’s robe or kimono meant to help keep modesty, Mari’s red dress was… bold to sight, and help highlight her figure. While she wasn’t like Najat’s curvy figure, there was a certain allure to her, even more now with how the short-like dress hinted at cleavage or showed legs-- even how the shortness of it almost teased him to look down.

She didn’t seem to be even worried if he looked, more focused on her own work on slips of paper. He wasn’t sure what she was working on, only that she needed a brush and ink to do said work. She only minorly payed mind to her food, and kept most of her focus on what was before herself. (End)

I don’t get it. Sure Kan mention that Kitsune know the art of seduction and seduce their targets before killing them… but why wear such a thing like that? Is it part of tradition? Is it a means to get me caught in looking at her to get her to accuse me? Is it just...something of the norm for her people or Clan? I don’t even know at this point! Sure the defense runes were active and Scrappy kept watch on me, but I still feel like she's waiting to give that threat or subtle threat or...anything at this point!

She must know about me by the two, they won’t lie to her, by the pits, they probably warned her to stay away from me! Although from that little interaction they did...maybe they, or she doesn’t need to worry on me, because she could easily handle me? That...could be it. Why be worry on something so insignificant of a threat? Compare to Najat or Ash-- or even Kan, I must seem easy to handle! Sure there’s the golems but...hell’s, I’m not even good at frontal fighting like other Stripes!

Which only prove how pathetic it was, since he was both the runt and the last of anything compare to Stripe military or strength. Really all he was good at was being a sabotager or a ingenious inventor!

Taking another bite of his food, he tried to focus on it and his plans...but it kept bothering him, kept bothering him that she was biding her time and..whatever she’ll threaten with. For all he knows, she could be just waiting for a good moment to grab him by the arm and throw him down! He took another bite as he chew and swallow, glancing up…

As she had her face right infront of his, he pause as he saw her smile as she more or less lean over the table he was sitting in. (done)

They stared at the other, both not saying a word as he was completely caught off guard of what to do. The silence was near deafening as the vixen’s gaze didn’t wane… well, gaze was general. With how tightly closed her eyes seemed, it was still hard to tell how she could see anything. Though being so close, he could just now pick out that her dark lashes hid her eyes just peeking through…

Leaning in a bit more, Mari seemed to get uncomfortably close to his likes, making him for once wanting to back away from the personal space she was invading. But as their noses were just about to touch… she giggled and backed away swiftly. He blinked and was a little surprise to see her back away so fast, seeming to do a backflip and jump herself back to her seat, looking at him… then smiled and went back to work, leaving him… dumbfounded on what just happened. (End)

...what just happen? No seriously-- what just fucking happen!? Was she...testing me or something!? Was she trying to catch me off guard on peeking at her? Why was she looking ready to kiss me-- unless she was planning on trying to whisper something of a threat to me-- I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS! As much as he wanted to shout into the world on what she was trying to do-- all he could really do was given a sagged sigh and let his prosthetic limb curled under his chin as he asked in sarcasm.

“This must be very amusing to you, isn’t it?” (done)

All he got from the kitsune was a twitch of her ear and a glance as she went, “prrr?” Making a odd purring like humm of confusion. (end)

Giving a exasperated sigh, he shook his head and said. “Never mind…” then asked. “So, you’re going to tell me on why you just...did that? It seem so...odd that you just got close...or are you just trying to catch me off guard?” talking another bite of his meal and a sip of his water to wash it down. (done)

With a smile creeping on her lips, she said, “you no like surprise?” Then pouted at him, “thought was pretty.” (End)

Coughing a bit from the slight pout and words, he clear his throat and tried to not choke from the look as he said. “W-Well,” clearing his throat more as he tried to relax his throat. “You...are...but it was just…” glancing to her as asked. “Why are you trying to surprise me?” (done)

With knowing tone, she said happily, “have closer look, yes?” Then went on while half leaning on the table. “Peek some here. So I come there.” (end)

Staring at her, he said. “Waaaaaiit, are you trying to get a rise out of me? Are you just...messing with me?” raising a brow as he went on. “Or unless this is some Kitsune thing I have no idea about?” (done)

Giggling, Mari told, “can no help if pretty. Yes?” Then went back to her work, humming away some nonsensical tune. (end)

Staring at her more...he couldn’t help but let out a groan and facepalm. Shaking his head some as he lower his hand and went back to eating. I’m beginning to think she’s enjoying messing with me. I mean sure I said she was attractive...but seriously? Wait...did those two cats said that since I’m so weak, she didn’t need to worry on me? Oh I can see Ash doing it, maybe Najat adding that the Kitsune here could easily kick my ass with her magic if I ‘try anything funny’.

Inwardly he grumble, he just...didn't get her! Why would she be ‘okay’ with him, teasing with him and messing with him if those two told him he was a shitty person-- hells, he didn’t bother to deny that, he was bad on a certain level! He wanted to conquer something...or try to conquer something at least! He still consider over Najat words on that talk...and he started to think Arabia might be a safe bet. Key word ‘might’. (done)

When he glanced up, Mari was still in her place, dutifully working on her papers… really, he wasn’t even sure what those were. They were too small and narrow for contracts, or paperwork or lists… as much as he was wondering on why she was possibly teasing him-- those confused him even more. The speed she went at them was a little phenomenal, going in quick patterns before setting it aside and going to the next.

What were they really? And why did she need so many. It looked like she possibly han hundreds of papers. But in honesty, what were they for? And why would she need so many? (End)

Although he honestly doubted she’ll give him a straight answer, probably evade it or dissuade him-- or ignore him as he asked. “Okay I have to ask...what are you doing with those pieces of papers...and why so many of them?” (done)

Without looking up, she told simply, “seal making.” (end)

Blinking a bit in surprise...he asked in a bit of caution. “You mean...like the stuff on that collar?” (done)

Glancing up, she smiled and asked in a odd tone of amusement, “make nervous of you?” finishing and flicking up one of the Seals in her fingers, allowing him to see the circular and wavy symbols he’d seen before… in a manner. It was vastly different from the ones on the collars, but the manner of its creation was similar in style. (end)

Looking at it, he could tell it was...different, really different as he let a light shrug shown as he admit. “I can’t help but be cautious-- I never seen these seals, much less how they work. They’re way different from what I can tell from the Runic Arts-- which is another field altogether.” (done)

She seemed to gain a oddly impish smile and asked innocently, “wish to see work?” (end)

As much as he wanted to reject or ‘politely’ say no...that scientific and curiosity of a Stripe made him look and asked. “What do they exactly and are there variations of their uses?” Already knowing that the Runic Arts were difficult to master, mostly because there were so many forms of runes, and even the Stripes, the ‘experts’ of them couldn’t know every Rune there ever was. (done)

“Many, yes.” Mari told while getting up and getting a few. She flashed each one before his eyes, each one artistically different from the last. “Heal. See. Bomb. Strength. Speed.” Walking up to him, she held up a oddly made one and say, “no-threat.” (End)

For some reason, the last one made him err on the side of caution as he asked. “Meaning that if you infuse them with a bit of magic, they work almost like runes-- but rely on a whole different system since they require a special touch of magic, right?” (done)

She hummed and said, “little-little like.” then with a tap faster than he could see, the ‘no-threat’ seal was on his chest. For a moment, the striped wasn’t sure what was going on, he just… felt like everything stopped. She leaned before his face and smiled with, “my magic. Your magic. Magic is magic, if let.” Again, their faces near touching. “Work good, yes?” Which… he couldn’t answer to, being frozen stiff as a statue… before she moved back, peeling that seal off and letting him regain movement.

She giggled as he blinked and worked his body, trying to… get rid of the odd feeling as she said innocently, “seal work. Is good, yes? Good seal mean work later.” (End)

Shaking his head a bit to regain momentum as he said. “Yeah...it works good.” although his mind was thinking on another subject. By the Markings...yeah, I was fucking right! She HAS Nothing to worry on me, because she could easily stop me, with just sealing tags! Sealing! Tags! She doesn’t even have to give a threat or anything! Just one tap of that, put me somewhere for who knows long-- and it’ll give the same message of, ‘mess with me and you’re fucked!’

I mean, she literally just need to place it on, put me somewhere, and boom! Problem solve...although while I am interested on how the seals work...I think this was a subtle message of, ‘ask more, and get your ass frozen or freeze like a idiot’. (done)

He was snapped out by her tapping of a finger, as Mari asked, “Metal-arm fine?” a touch of, he thought was concern. It was hard to tell with her curious tone… and that lead to another thing that.. He wasn’t sure how to make.

Mari was only so fluent in the ‘common tongue’. Self taught, apparently. She could fairly well understand everyone, but had trouble forming the words. And for the names… well, bare for Ash or ‘Naja’, she seemed to give everyone a nickname. ‘Scrap’ for Scrappy. ‘False-one’ to Sieg. ‘bad-bad one’ used for Kan. ‘sweet girl’ to Book. or in his case… ‘Metal-arm’. (End)

“Yeah, yeah….” quickly checking under his undercloth to confirm if the runes taht glowed and connected against flesh and metals as he glance up and assured. “I’m fine...Just...almost felt like I was hit by a paralyzed rune or...something.” then sighed and said. “Not to mention...sorta glad the seals didn’t affect my arm either. Would be a shame if it did-- especially since trying to fix it is...difficult.” already knowing that his arm was unique itself.

Sure he may had crafted the idea, but building it actually work? It was a Clan effort...and he doubted he could get it fully repaired beside the small ‘check-up’s he could do. He wasn’t a healer, and he knew that trying to tamper with his arm was risky enough with it being one of a kind. (done)

She curiously tilted her head, then smiled and patted his head. “You silly. No harm arm. Be bad.” Then turned and sauntered away with a giggle, once more confusing him on what she meant. Unless she didn’t understand how his arm worked?

Then again, it was hard to tell. And trying to explain his arms ‘functions’ might be a bit hard. She did sometimes have moment’s of confusion when he said specific words or phrases. (end)

Hrm...maybe ask the cats to translate and go into detail? although that was doubtful. Since they may not know much on it either. Really he was probably the only one beside Scrappy that knew how his arm work. Flexing the limb, he made sure that it worked properly. Moving it around, flexing it’s fingers, even letting it shift to reveal a small hook and to fire out a rope of sorts.

Shifting it back as he flex his hand and sighed. Alright...good so far… then tried to focus back on eating...but he was just bothered on Mari, more to the point...on why she bother being nice to him? Or just...friendly in general? Or even teasing him? Unless his theory of her not seeing him as a threat is sound…

Then again, she literally froze his body with a seal. He doubted she view him as anything but a ‘silly’ guy...or a idiot. Most would consider the latter. (done)

While the kitsune got back to her seals, humming along as she did, both paused when there was a sliding and Ash came in. Looking about, the herno brightened and said, “Mari, Mari, Mari!” Going up excitedly and then, much to the stripe’s cringe, went off in that hyper-fast like tongue.

Smiling, Mari said something, something that made Ash laugh before responding. He furrowed his brows, Mari giggling into a hand before saying something else and gathering her seals. Both the finished, and the papers yet to be made into seals.

Ash grinned and took the left aside meal to bring with, both talking so adamantly with the other. Though before they reached the doorway, Ash paused and asked, “hey Racky?” Making him tilt his head. “Should let you know-- don’t go in the washing room.” Pausing to go on, “girl stuff.” (end)

Rolling his eyes, he told. “I already got enough undersuits to wash and some casuals-- no need to worry on me going there or not…” then added. “Unless someone broke the laundry machines somehow.” then taking another bite as he went on. “But it’s doubtful that’ll happen, Ash.” (done)

Nodding, Ash said, “good… because, you know… Najat might not be happy if any guy’s barge in and all that.” Then waved with a grin, “anyways, the girls and I are going to be there for a bit, doing girl things and talking girl stuff-- keep outta trouble~” Then sped off to catch up with Mari. (end)

A flat look on his face as he muttered and look back to his food. “If you wanted to say, ‘Phobia don’t go there because we want privacy’-- that would of been fine enough.” finishing his meal as he sighed, already feeling the urge to drink. He know he shouldn’t...but with how things are going, the temptations to drink might be needed.

Especially with how, ‘paradoxal’ those girls were. Especially Mari.(Done)

Najat… at least made some sort of sense. But when Ash came? That started making things confusing. And now Mari? Well… she was still new-- but it was clear that she was just as confusing. Why couldn't they be a bit more like Book, or maybe Nowa? At least they didn’t make things so complex! Or… as far as he knew. Book not being a slave and now learning to cook stuff and wearing a dress and… sewing…

Ok, so Book has been doing odd stuff. But at least Nowa still makes sense! (end)

Giving a groan, he got up and move his plate away as he thought. Just...just focus on the work. The sooner I’ll repair it for good, the quicker we can head to the Iron Holds, find this Jiva guy...and maybe figure out what to with Mari...I doubt she’ll want to go back home after being backstabbed...but what else is she going to do but stay on the ship? in all honesty...he had no idea on what was with Mari choice.

Truly no idea whatsoever.