Conquest Horizon

While the time pass as the ship reached to the city on where they would find Kiru, Kan laugh in hysteria as the ketch left from the main ship. Shaking her head as she said in their native tongue. “~That, that is hilarious! Seeing his expression and fumble around like a real idiot with you, and having no idea on how to approach you?~” taking in a breath as she pointed a hoof at Mari with a full on grin.

“~Oh it was so amusing to see that mutt just be stupify whenever you pass by his way, especially with him in so much confliction!~” then clam a bit as she asked with a knowing look. “~But...lets be real, there's no way you actually consider the idiot of all things as a ‘potential male’, right?~” adding the ‘quoting’ with her hooves to the Kitsune. (done)

Innocently, Mari told, “~He gives plenty of seed and is surly viral, Kan-san. He would be good for reviving a clan, if he were kitsune by blood. Or, at the very least, give a women plenty of children for their clan.~” saying this in a certainty manner of thought, more than anything.

Najat rolled her eyes and said, “~Do you truly have no shame over the fact you had near intercourse with a male that you are not bound to?~”

“~He wasn’t truly right of mind, and needed something to assure his weary mind.~” Told Mari in a simple tone of fact. She continued to smile and told, “~he is better for now.~” Then looked to Kan adding, “~Why do you ask, Kan-san? Do you feel confliction that I near him when you were the one to be near him first?~” Once more having that innocent smile. (end)

Scoffing, she rolled her eyes and told. “~Oh please! All I want is something to jab at him even further when I come back. I think we can all agree he’s rather hopeless, even by Stripe standards!~” (done)

“~He’s not hopeless.~” Stated Ash. “~Just hopelessly lost when it comes to women!~” Causing them all to burst out laughing, even the every-so-stony faced Najat. (end)

“~Ha! You’re right on that! I think even his species woman could tell he’s a virgin with one glance!~” then told while steering the wheel, as she was the only one beside maybe Ash who could drive the thing. Although she didn’t want to try their luck with Ash behind the wheel. “~But in all seriousness, Mari? What are you planning to do with the mutt?~” raising a brow as she went on. “~Because I honestly doubt even you consider him as a potential male to keep.~” (done)

With a cheery smile, Mari told, “~that, Kan-san, will remain to be seen. Najat-san was clear of his habits, and he may need fine working, before being truly suitable for any women to have for themselves.~” Then seemed to prob back, “~are you truly sure, you do not feel jealous?~” giggling at the demoness scoff.

Calming, the haynu said, “~Yes, yes, no joke. Will speak.~” Calming and asking, “~how common is it for a haynu to find mate?~” Making Kan think some and ponder it. “~Uncommon, as you may know. Many fear demon blood. Many more fear a true lineage of it. Many would not take me, for fear of a continuing progeny. Demon Hunters would come for my kits, and myself. It is not savery thought, no?~” (end)

Humming abit, Kan nodded and said. “~Yes...I can see that...and the mutt is probably a rarity for you to see, not really fearing your heritage, but also finding you appealing to him.~” (done)

“~I am a sight even to herno. My beauty is still unquestioned.~” Told Mari simply with a nod. “~But, once they know I am haynu, they fear. They reject and find me a curse. Phob-san, is unaware of such things. I do not care if he is deplorable as of now. If he wishes to prove himself a lover to me? I will grant him the chance-- since no other ever granted myself the chance of love the likes of that.~” (End)

Snorting in amusement, she teased with a smirk. “~Even with the chances of him being sick in the head by Stripe standards?~” (done)

Smiling innocently, Mari said in turn, “~is it not also sick, to toy with lives or murder lives?~” Then shook her head. “~If he accepts me, respects myself. Than I may just accept him, and his person.~”

Patting Mari’s shoulder, Ash told while leaning on her staff, “~Yeah, good luck with that. You have a lot of work ahead of you.~” Slightly tugging her cowl up on her face and making sure her hood was on properly before leaning on her staff. “~So… where are we heading first anyways?~”

“~The Opnehu Temple that Mari spoke of.~” Told Najat simply. “~It is the furthest of the trip, and one I feel we must do first before all others. Kan-san’s chances of this opportunity may not be granted, if we get diverted early on in our travels.~”

Smiling some, Mari looked to Kan and asked, “~Do you truly feel prepared for a step such as this, Kan-san? There is chance, you may never return to the way you were.~” Something odd about how the three now showed… concern for her person. (End)

Humming a bit, Kan admit. “~I’ll admit...part of me will miss being a full on demon and my strength...but considering I’ll be tied to the mutt until who knows how long and return to the pits?~” giving a smirk on her face as she told simply. “~Well, considering I do enjoy living around in the mortal realm, I wouldn’t mind giving up part of myself to do as I please when the idiot finally get himself killed.~” rolling her eyes as she added. “~Especially with how he drank before Najat and the lapdog hid it from him.~” (Done)

Shaking her head, Mari spoke, “~This very serious matter, Kan-san. When you see the Opnehu, you must honestly wish for this change. For part of it will require cleansing of your Soul. You must have a flicker of good intent for it to possibly have true effect.~” (end)

Sighing some, she look to the sky and said in a thoughtful tone. “~Considering on what I did some days back? I think they’ll find it for sure…~” looking down as she told on with a flat expression. “~Especially since it was the first time I was damned charitable in my entire existence.~” (done)

Feeling a hand on her back, Kan slightly glanced to find Mari standing there and looking at her with concern. “~If you think you can make it, we will stand by. I may not have seen you good at first, but I know better than most, what it is like to be seen as nothing but a blot of evil.~” Gently smiling, Mari said, “~you may feel… many things when it happens. I can not be sure how much. I was young and understood little back then. You… may have to face many inner evils of your past when it happens. I merly… worry for your person.~”

“~Same.~” Smiled Ash. “~We’ll be rooting for you.~”

Rolling her eyes, Najat just told, “~Don’t fail… Ash-chan will be in a lesser mood.~” Seeming detached, though the elder demon did pickup that the herno seemed to maybe hope this works out… was she concerned too, or was it… something else?

Oddly, for the first time, there were mortals trying to truly help her. That were concerned for her. (end)

Being silent for a brief moment, Kan glance to the mortals as she felt a frown on her face. As she was considering...their concern for her, truely to her and wanting to help her… “~My...thanks for your concern. As for facing inner evils…~” Giving a somber smile as she said. “~Well..I consider it a fair trade for freedom and to do as I wish on the mortal realm without fear of banishments again. Even more when the contract becomes null and voided.~”

She however told in assurance, something she rarely used to other's. “~I won’t fail easily. Especially more since I’m determined to go through with this.~” then pause in thought and added in a flat tone. “~although don’t expect me to fight against demons or those imp things so easily afterwards. I’m going to be really weak in a fight against even the pathetic little imp for a good while.~” (done)

Smirking a bit to that, Ash waved off, “~trust me, those Imp’s might be demons, but Phobia could easily beat those things down on his own. A flock? Sure, that’s some trouble, but they’re not that bright either.~”

“~In either case.~” Began Najat, “~We will be sure to keep you away from any conflict until a time you are more… adapted to your new changes~” Seeming in agreement on Kan’s thoughts. “~But do not take for granted what will come of this. Thre is a chance you may find certain things… not as tolerable as before.~” (end)

“~You mean with me having a morality within me and viewing things I used to do as a pastime as disgusting?~” remarked the demoness as she rolled her eyes. “~I know what I’m giving up here, don’t think I’m talking this lightly. If I didn’t want to go through with this, I wouldn't have come along.~” then let out a hum. “~But...unlike most demons, I enjoy the mortal plane. It’s a shame to see it turn into anything else but what it is. Especially with what it has to offer for a being like me.~” (Done)

While the three cast looks at this, Mari said, “~We will stand by your choice. Just know that once it begins? Your being will be tested for all it’s worth.~” That warning seeming to come with a fair bit of thought inside of it. Kan was’t sure what it was, but she decided that the three were merely concerned for a person that they might soon have as a friend.

Which was funny. Just a month back, or more counting Ash, Kan would of never seen them as just ‘friends’ in the least for what they were. Now… they were holding a rather civil conversation and part of Kan enjoyed it. It was so… (End)

Amusing. That was the word she was looking for. It was all so amusing as she let out a small laugh. Looking to them as she said in amusement. “~Months back, I wouldn’t have seen you all as friends but mere pests to me...now...now I’m tolerating you with a civil conversation and I’m enjoying it.~” (done)

Smiling just a touch, Najat told while nudging Ash. “~Ash-chan has a way to worm into the hearts of others and make them into friends. She is that form of person that you can not help but come to like.~”

“~Aw, you’re going to make me blush.~” Joked Ash with a smile. (end)

Snorting in slight amusement, Kan corrected. “~We’re not friends. I just tolerate you all more because the only other means of companion to be around is Nowa, the lovey-dovy couple-- and the idiot mutt.~” (done)

Smiling, Ash told with a raised finger, “~don’t be like that-- we’ll make a friend out of you yet!~” Then chuckled out, “~after, you get through this whole cleansing thing. Then we can try some stuff out to see if we can bridge that gap, right?~” Making Najat roll her eyes in amusement and Mari giggle at the cat’s optimisme. (End)

Shaking ehr head some, Kan said in a sigh. “~Mortals...you never change with your optimism.~” (done)

Finding this Kuri guy was a little hard for Phobia. Besides his muddled confused thoughts on the topsy-turvy few days since getting drunk and finding out Mari… ‘entertained’ him during his drunken stupor, Phobia had since tried to gt his head straight. And first thing to do that, was find this engineer that Copper mentioned, her brother as he was told.

The only trouble was finding him. And all the directions told was to head to a place called ‘Steel-Rim’. That, was simple enough. Everyone was more than happy to point him on where it was. He was simply surprised by how big the place was, being one huge airship docking bay. And was it large. Big enough to hold battleship to be worked on, and a few, while not as impressive to his standards, were near massive in bulk alone.

He was sure a few could fit a complement of 2,000 crew in them. It was a slight reminder of how trying to conquer the holds would be a left-to-not-do endevor for a… very,very, very long time… maybe too long.

But, when he asked for this guy’s name, nobody knew him. He went from place, to place, to place- yet nobody knew who he was talking about. It irritated him to an extent, until he just asked if anyone had seen Copper’s brother. That was enough to get a number of recognizing ‘ahs’ and one of the minotaurs that ‘Jiru’ was in the lower decks working on something. (end)

Giving a look to Scrappy with stink-eyes, he said in annoyance. “Not. A. Word.” knowing the mechanical dog repeatedly mention it was ‘Jiru’ than ‘Kuri’ as he stated it earlier with his memory banks. Still, the Stripe went down to the lower decks as Scrappy follow with. The mechanical golem however was watching his creator with a critical eye, mostly on his state since the whole ‘entertaining’ moment with the Kitsune.

Scrappy was still trying to figure out if she was interested in his creator due to Phobia unbiased opinion to him...as well as her teasing him of getting close to him before dancing away, or making a comment of near teasing to the Stripe. Scrappy was certain she was interested in his creator...just not wanting to say it just to mess with him. Females were so paradoxal at times.

However as they were being pointed to where Jiru was at a few times, they finally, or possibly found him among a group of guys, just relaxing with tools around as Phobia look over them and spoke. “Jiru?” (done)

The tall and muscular minotaur stopped and looked to the stripped, one crossing his arms and asking, “who’s asking?” (end)

“The guy who was told by his own sister to come find him to work on my ship.” told Phobia as he cross his arms. “I’m sure he’ll know her, Cotton-,”

“Copper Wool.” corrected Scrappy as Phobia glance to him with stink eye as Scrappy added. “Your braincells are still recovering from that extensive drinking.” (done)

A few minotaurs snickered or smirked to this, while the one talking rolled his eyes and said, “can’t hold your liquor, huh?” Then lifted a meaty fist and banged on the wall, shouting down the vent. “Jiru, get your furry ass down here, some Runt that can’t hold a drink wants to talk to you over ya sis!” (end)

“It was Dragon Brew!” defended Phobia as one of the minotaurs told.

“No wonder you got plaster, you’re too small to handle it.” Phobia eye twitch in annoyance as Scrappy place a metal paw on the Stripe side to remind him.

“You don’t drink often. It tend to happen when you rarely drink, creator.” Phobia grumble as he patted the golem head a bit. (done)

With a rumbling from the vent, Phobia refocused on it before a furry head all covered in dust popped out. With a tug of two somewhat bare hands, ‘Jiru’ pulled himself out. Neither Scrappy nor Phobia were just sure if this was actually the guy. Even as he pulled off the goggles to clean off dust and used a tail to brush off his fairly filthy clothes covered in pockets-- Scrappy had to blink.

Jiru was a Opnehu.

Looking up and blinking, the grey and black striped monkey gave both a look, refixing his goggles back over his eyes and asking with a whimsical grin, “you call for Jiru? For this is him!” Then proceeded to ask while cleaning his hands with a rag, the hardly 3 foot tall monkey walking along. “Copper asked you to seek Jiru? He wonders why. Did she break invention for hair again?” (end)

“A Ophenu engineer...I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting that.” said Phobia in slight surprise as Scrappy informed to Jiru.

“Your sister suggested us to you, after a little, disagreement between my creator and her when it came to my creator ship on it’s parts and workings. She claims that you are able to work with, and I quote, ‘A mess of a ship.’.”

“It's not a mess! It’s just...different!” told Phobia in a defensive tone. (done)

Thoughtfully, Jiru spoke, “if sister Copper think it is mess? Then must be true big mess for her to argue to send for Jiru.” seeming to outright ignore the further outbursts by the Striped. “So… must be very different.” Then, pivoting on his hand-like-paws, the Opnehu grinned brightly and asked, “if Jiru comes to see, will you listen to what he thinks of prints, hmmm?” (end)

“...that much I’ll at least agree on.” said the Striped as he glance to the side. “I’m not that stupid enough to listen to some critizim…”

“But stupid enough to argue on ship design and reworking it to make it more efficient.” counteract Scrappy as Phobia turn his head to him saying.

“Oh come on! You know how we Stripes are! We can’t help it!” Scrappy gave a ‘look’ of sorts, or rather one for the madman to imagine as in his mind, he could see Scrappy giving a, ‘you really want to use logic with me?’ as Phobia grumble more and letting out a sigh as Scrappy look to Jiru as he said.

“Apologies for creator outbursts. Stripes are tend to be a bit touchy when their inventions are considered ‘worthless’ or ‘messes’ by another.” (done)

Tilting his head, Jiru told, “still not a good excuse if you gave elder sister trouble over changes. She would be looking out for best interest of those on the ship. Perhaps there were complications that made management harder, or ship less worthy of places. There is much care when making ship to work right. Should know, Jiru work on many and had made changes as needed.” (End)

“Yeah well...theres a lot more complications to my creation.” said Phobia as he let out a low sigh and asked. “So, able to come with us now, or should we wait until you finish up whatever you needed to do right now?” (done)

Thinking and holding a hand to his chin, Jiru told, “hmm… will talk to head engineer. Tell that captain has emergency need of Jiru’s hands. Can leave shortly then.” Smiling up, the monkey went on, “must be impressive ship, to send for Jiru. Sister never sends just any to Jiru.” (end)

There was a bit of rising pride in the Stripe as he grinned and nodded his head. “Oh yes, it’s one of a kind! Granted a bit odd, and maybe it has a few issues….buuuut, one of a kind!” said the Stripe as he introduce. “My name is Phobia, and by me is my greatest creation and who I consider family, Scrappy!”

The mechanical wolf examined the Ophenu further as he soon greeted. “Hello there. Please do not take my creator words to a extreme, sometimes his mind is both indigenous, and filled with madness at the same time. Also he has a tendency to be illogical now and then.”

Spluttering, Phobia demanded. “Are you calling me stupid!?” Scrappy look to him with a movement of his head as he respond.

“No, if I was calling you stupid, I would be more bluntful into informing you, that you were stupid, Phobia.” then added. “However, there are times you need me to remind you of your short-sightedness now and then. Also your stupidity.” Phobia eye twitch as he said.

“You’re so lucky, you know that?” tilting his head, Scrappy responded.

“Luck has nothing to do with it, I am simply stating the facts as it is with my programming.” (done)

Watching with all due curiosity, Jiru said, “most impressive indeed.” Seeming to watch Scrappy’s every move for a moment before grinning. “Self aware. Self automated. Self moving. Unlike what Jiru is aware of. Much to be impressed.” Looking to Phobia, he asked, “double-matrix systeming core to make so efficient in reactions?” Showing a understanding in something Copper apparently didn’t have. (End)

Interest perk, Phobia corrected with a shook of his head. “Naw. Scrappy is more unique. He got a triple-matrix systeming core and adaptive learning!” a smile on his face as he rub Scrappy head more, the mechanical wolf leaning in to let the palm rub more. (done)

“Most rare indeed.” Jiru nodded. “Only few have made golems self learning. Skill if spoken in this manner.” Nodding sagely… then went on, “but clearly skill is good in working golems rather than ship.” Making the striped slightly feel his face filter at this. “Else, elder sister would not send you to Jiru.” (end)

“That is most logical, my creator is not ship-knowledge able in terms of craft, or how to make it more efficient. Even less on making numerous mistakes on ship design. However, knowing my creator, he will eventually use your sister updated suggestion to the ship, to make it more efficient once he has both the time, resources, and income to make adjustable changes needed.”

Looking down, he said. “Oh come on Scrappy!” with the mechanical wolf glancing up to him, then look to Jiru with what could be heard of a flat tone.

“Sometimes my creator is too stubborn for his own good.” (done)

Laughing a bit to this, Jiru told, “will be most fun to spend time with you both. Jiru feels this will be most fun he has had in long while!”

Half crouching on the table and looking over the two plans of the ship side-by-side, Jiru told simply. “Copper is right. Very messy.” Making Phobia twitch. Though unlike Copper, who was pointing out every fault, Jiru spoke more thoughtfully, finger over one part of the ship. “Pipes much too close to edge. Would be bad if ruptured. Lose water.” then to another area. “Much steel here… could cut down, no need in such deep parts of ship. Make lighter.”

Scrunching up his face and examining the blueprints, he questioned, “is small room accessible by those your side requited in such deep part of ship with many secondary controls?” Looking up to question. “Could just make spare controls under bed. Nobody checks under beds anymore.” (end)

Pondering this, Phobia admit. “I never did consider using under the beds...Even more in such a easily reachable area…” then grumble as he motioned his protsetch hand on the blueprints. “but...I will admit that you're...sister had a large point. I need to take apart and remove stuff from the ship, alter it...the only problem is gaining more of the materials to craft it, getting all my engineer golems to work on it...and having a lot of the funds to even acquire parts I don’t have…” snorting a bit in frustration.

“In short...I’m stuck for the time being.” Scrappy nodded in agreement as he added in.

“I have calculated potential possibilities of gaining funds, materials, and extra hands if golems are unable to assist everywhere. However we would need a month time to fully take apart, remove, renovate, and also rebuild the ship and its parts in order to make it superior than it is currently.” then added. “As well as a very, very large source of income to pay off costs of such necessities.” (Done)

Tilting his head, Jiru shrugged and told, “you would waste then.” Getting a slight stink eye from Phobia to the very idea. But he had to pause as Jiru pointed out at sections of the blueprints-- both improved and original. “Parts are in place that can be removed. Parts that will not let ship fall. Can remove parts, reshape parts, reuse parts. Not waste coin, and still gain needs.” Then smiled up. “Once clutter is gone, can make fast changes, make ship better. With much space and emptiness, can improve on fly.” (end)

Staring at him...Phobia couldn’t help but having a wide grin as he said. ”You may not be like a Stripe...but you’re damned close to one.” then continue on as he look at both. “How much time you think we can do all of that? Half a month at least? Or possibly a month to two with so much to work with?” (done)

Humming in thought, Jiru questioned, “how much you wish to work on in time?” Pointing out on the blueprints, “much of parts need to be taken out. Pipes cleared and moved. If the pipes are focused on most, as they be most important, they must be moved first. Month at least. Rest? Move as need be, less work until time can do more work.”

Looking down, Jiru eyed the blueprints and told, “will need new paper. Mix what is here. Make improvements with new thoughts?” Going on to tell while pointing one of his palm’s fingers at the old and new prints. “See main core of ship power. Manner is placed is awkward. If moved higher, like in Copper’s, will be easy to manage.” Then smiled. “Know trick to also make efficient. Can double output if done right.” (End)

Thinking a bit...Phobia consider it as he knew that while moving it would be a pain...but it could work. Even more? The back up engine core could be moved elsewhere as he nodded and said. “Yeah...I won’t mind that.” motioning for Scrappy to get a new piece of blueprint paper as he went on. “I also...think I could move secondary controls under my bed, easy really...Maybe stay here for a good month or so? Just to handle what we can before we have to leave.” giving a shrug as he said.

“I rather we stay longer to do more repair work to make the ship better...but staying in the Iron holds for a longer period of time than a month isn’t a good idea for various of reasons...Some of those reasons you’ll find out if you decided to join up with us.” Grinning a bit as he said. “But I’ll say this...you might not regret joining up with us, Jiru.” (done)

Smiling to this, Jiru told, “will need to see of that, yes? Jiru is most eager to get to work and seeing how this ship is made. Will be most interesting experience to be sure.” Then looked over the prints in thought, humming away and no doubt trying to figure out what else could be done. Perhaps having the Opnehu wouldn’t be so bad. He seemed rather agreeable so far.

(end)

Work was always stressful, it’s been nearly a week since he, Jiru, and the engineer golems been working on taking apart the engine core, removing the added things, even removing or altering pipes in the ship itself. They just got started with the work and already Phobia was feeling giddy with working with Jiru as a fellow engineer. Sure Copper was a engineer too...but she was always so critical, so bossy, even to the point antagonizing to him as she kept pointing things out and argue with him.

Arguing was fine and all between engineers on a idea or a craft-- but to the point of saying they would get random strangers or suggesting on taking it with some chances of someone stealing his blueprints? No thanks, that was not the Stripe way.

But with Jiru?

It made him feel...well, like he was working with someone that was almost...Stripe like. Granted not exactly like a true Stripe, but someone close to one. Maybe a honorary Stripe. It was hard to say really for the madman. What he did knew however, was that they would need to make the rest of the maintenance job in Arabia, or maybe in Equestria to fully fortify his ship. However right now, the Stripe was relaxing in a bar stool, in one of the many pubs he located in the city as he took a small sip of water.

Right now he was banned from drinking alcohol by Scrappy, as the mechanical wolf seem...oddly worried for the Stripe to take too much drinking. The Stripe felt fine, but if it made his Clan feel better, he won’t drink. Still, as he took another sip, he felt a frown on his face, knowing that now...his plans for world domination seem to be..finished. Obsolete in a way. With Kan nullifying her contract with him and being a half-demon, his soul would be safe now…

But on the other hand, it also means that Kan would or could leave anytime she desire-- she told the only reason she was staying around now? Was because she knows he was helpless without her experience as a fiancer and accountant, and decided to give ‘pity’ to him until he’s dead. Or at least what she consider as ‘pity’ to him. He doubted it was pity, but mere amusement of sorts.

He took another sip as he consider...what he was going to do now? Sure he dreamt of world domination...or close to it. But without the full means of a competent army, a fleet of ships...or a Crew of sorts to gained respect from and respect from others? Well...that dream seem more like a pipe dream, or something that seem farther than before. Phobia almost consider reorganizing his plans for conquering everything...mostly because of Najat words.

As much as he somewhat being fine with her and her tolerating him...her words kept a tight grip in his mind, about careless destruction, reckless abandonment of families losing lives or homes...of feeling fury from those he conquered without care. It made him...consider, or reconsider things. However it also made things difficult for him. Difficult on what he wanted now.

The whole world domination thing was all he had left, all he had to pursuit beside his own creations and innovating new things. Without this dream...what else did he had? Sure he had a small Clan...but it wouldn’t be able to null the pain in his heart of losing his original clan. His home...Sure there was Mari considering him during that time. But for all he knew, she was just messing with him.

Kitsune were known to be tricksters and she does enjoy teasing with him or Sieg. He doubted she might consider him, because how could a beautiful, sexy, and lovely three-tail vixen might consider him as ‘mate material’? She in her own words said it was a shame he wasn’t a Kitsune…

Taking another hard drink of water, feeling a tad annoyed he couldn’t get drunk with Scrappy by his side with a constant gaze at him. The minotaur bartender snorted and told. “If you really want to get a drink, why not get actual booze?”

It made the stripe a tad irritated as he told. “Can’t. I’m on a break, got to go back and keep working in engineering.” the minotaur snort, but refilled the glass of water as he said.

“I’m sure you’ll get drunk later on.” moving to assist another customer with actual drinks to serve, as the Stripe snort harshly. But nursed his drink as he took another sip, knowing that with so much on his mind, he was becoming more moody. Or rather feeling in a pit of sorts. Unable to continue with his desires. Unable to do much until his ship and forces are at full effecnity. Unable to rely on other's so easy with a crew or with near to no respect…

Not even able to dull or ease the pain in his heart of never returning home or being among Stripes, or to halt the potential want to...end it all. Sure he had some Clan members… but it wasn’t the same in a way. And it was also so few in numbers. Phobia in all honesty didn’t know where to go, he didn’t want to cause needless destruction...but what else was he supposed to do in his life?

He had no purpose, no meaning except to be a Stripe...he was lost in a sense. Lonely even...Feeling the touch of metal, he glance to Scrappy head against him, as Phobia gave a low smile, patting his head as he took another sip as he thought to himself. Maybe I can...figure something out. Not everything is written in stone...maybe I’ll craft my own future and fate...like the great marks in the stars crafted by the Markings of long old. feeling a slight hopeful in him...although it could not hold off the grief and heaviness in him.

In a way, the only means to hold it off, was with the amount of work to get his mind thinking on his creations, his ship and it’s work...and the potential to upgrade his golems with Jiru aid. Perhaps with a fellow engineer working with him that he trusts, perhaps he could do a lot more than he could do by himself. Taking another sip, he also consider maybe, if he consider Jiru as a honorary Clan member...to help work on his arm, as while he could managed it...it was always better to have another engineer to look at it.

(done)

It took time and some careful navigation around some less than wanted attention of Imps, Demon Hunters, possible herno’s and a few wandering bandits, but they had finally reached the temple and made it inside. The opnehu, much to Kan’s cringe, seemed to have been aware of their arrival within the last half hour of their trip. It always bugged her how some could just tell when even a disguised demon was around.

But now, being inside the emerald temple, air humming with a power that made her skin crawl… a few second thought popped up. Granted, the monkeys had not lifted a hand at her, and Mari had gone to a long extensive length to be sure that Kan had a chance.

The One that let them in didn’t say a word and only lead them inside. There should of been something disturbing about that, that the monk was willingly letting a demoness in when on most occasions, she would of been stopped from entering at all.

And there was a constant itching over her skin while being in such a harmonized and balanced place. Every demon instinct told her, she did not belong here. It was her own fortitude she was even going so deeply into the temple along with the three. Ash and Najat seeming to keep around for ‘emotional support’ of all things.

“~Final stretch.~” Spoke Ash while they went down some steps inside the vast temple. “~Ready?~” Glancing to the mare that’s disguise seemed to almost want to peel off with bit’s of sparking smoke. The sight was a bit odd to see. (End)

A deep breath went in her as she admit. “~No….but better get it over with before I decide to second guess more.~” trying her best to ignore the twisted feeling in her and the urge to escape this place. Even the itching that was all over her body as she added. “~It still feel off that they’re letting me in here.~” (done)

Both herno’s seemed to agree to this with a nod. They knew better than most of how well protected the temples were. Even demons things like Kan had nearly no chance to break in-- possibly less so due to just how the temples were made for spiratue use in mind.

Reaching a final step and a large room growing with some ferns and lit by gems, Kan glanced down to a pool of crystal clear waters. Waters that hummed with power that made her skin crawl uncomfortably.

Mari moved back and with the other girls, looking a bit bothered and subdued as she soon took a seat. Likewise, Ash and Najat followed. The elderly Opnehu that had lead them here, moved before Kan and spoke. “~you wish to be cleansed and be free of your former shackles to the evil blood inside you, hmmm…?~” Eyes narrowed and scrutinizing. (end)

“~That is correct. In truth, Honored Elder? I’m simply tired of the whole business I tend to do whenever I get summoned. Make a contract, wait for a x amount of time, see contractor fail, returns to the pits until summoned again.~” giving a hum as she ignored every fiber in her to flee before the elder Opnehu as she continued on. “~While it’s true I am of demon blood, I do tolerate the mortal realm and enjoy it with its world enough to part myself from being what I am.~” (done)

Nodding slowly, she could tell this Opnehu was pretty old.. And a little gruff in his manner of doing things. Possibly one of the higher elders that oversaw the much more serious aspects of life itself. Perhaps it explained his white fur that nearly marked this fact.

Turning and motioning to the waters, he told, “~Then your test lies before you.~” No insults given despite his scrutinizingly rough tone. “~This is pure water of cleansing. You may know it as holy water.~” Next to setting off every single warning bell in Kan’s mind. “~If you truly wish for change, you must pass through the pool, no disguise, and bare it’s cleansing.~” It was then he seemed to deliver the main line that made her truly scared. “~If you do not pass, you will not last.~” An artful way of saying, she might die. (End)

Taking a deep breath, she calmed her heart to try to not run out. If she wanted to get out of the contract and get out of coming back to the pits each time she was banished? She would have to get through this. Taking a breath out and a deep one in, she mutter to herself. “~Guess its time for me to go big or not at all.~” getting on her hooves as she gave a look to the water as she trots to it.

When she was close enough, she took a small dip with her hoof, nearly pulling back from the sudden burn. Feeling her disguise nearly removed as she took a harsh breath...Before she forced herself to go into the pool. Gritting her teeth as she refuse to scream out in pain. Feeling her body was burning as her disguise was strip off, revealing her natural state as with each forceful movement of her to go deeper into the pool?

Did she felt the constant burning of her body of the utter purity of water itself. Filling a bit of the darkness that came from her, her mind heard them. Heard the many screams, accusations, anguished cries of people, their utter hate of those that saw her as a demoness still. Her mind was forced to recall the souls she took in the long years, the many she wronged, cheated, stole, even murdered in cold blood.

Even hearing those shouts of her sins of how she’ll never change, how that she will always still enjoy her demonic nature.

Kan grit her teeth as she didn’t deny them...but she didn’t stop either as she told in a low mutter. “I may be those things...but if one innocent soul thanked me for what I done?” a low smirk on her face as she kept pushing herself deeper. “Well...maybe I’m not that bad at all.” (done)

It was hard to keep pushing, and part of her painful haze blocked the fcat of how deep she was. Kan felt her dark heart pump fast and fast, only reminding her of how deep the water got. At this rate, she was going to submerge. Her head being the only thing really out and letting herself breath. It was with a gulp she took a breath and brought her head down into the clear waters that burned like the fires of the pit.

Every part of her stung, twiched and screamed in it’s own agony while she pushed forwards. That she wasn’t so bad like, most, that maybe she could be… be what? She wasn’t sure what, she had some good at the very least. But once she was on the mortal realm, then what? What was her existence?

She wouldn’t change, she was a demon by birth. How long would it be until she would just go back to being what she was. It’s what she liked, right? To dupe and trick people into a deal that gave her the entropy of that surge of power every soul gave?

The old pleasant feeling was still in her mind… except that one thought of that soul that had ever so innocently said thank you. Kan could barely hold her burning eyes open in the water and look ahead to where the ground ascended back up. It was a fight to keep moving forwards, to try and ignore the ever wrapping pain.

“We’re rooting for you.” That was Ash’s words, wasn’t it? She had the confidence Kan could make it through, willing to give a demon… a black, hearted creature a chance… What was that really worth? Was she really willing to give this ‘friendship’ a chance with Ash, Najat, Mari.. Nowa? That mare liked being around her… she could at least call Nowa a friend, right? (end)

In due time maybe...But what about the mutt and his lapdog? thought Kan as she tried to reach to the surface of the water. She knew Scrappy wouldn’t care for her...She also knew Phobia might not. But she could...try to be more friendly to them. To Ash, Najat, Mari...Nowa. be a bit more nicer to them since she actually like them some. Maybe work with Sieg more and be a bit more nicer to Book.

Maybe...help the unicorn find those villagers she kept mentioning about? Sure the unicorn heart was in the right place, but she lack the insight Kan had of business...As for Scrappy and Phobia? She recalled every single chance she belittle him, insult him, mock him, jab at his nerves and pride. Even scoff at the two. Sure the Stripe was loose in the head and irritable to deal with…

But it probably didn’t help since she caused most irritation with her own words. So maybe...she could be nicer, maybe work with him more and not belittle him? Unlike herself, who was born a demon without friends or family...Phobia had those once, and he doesn’t know how to cope without either beside being snippy and working all the time. Scrappy was...a work in progress if she was admittance.

Maybe work with...him better? Sure it might not work, but she was at least considering giving a olive branch to the mechanical wolf and the stripe. As she reached her head up out of the water, she inhale a deep breath, coughing some as she still felt that burning sensation on her. Even while she tried to force her way out of the water, there was a large change from her form.

Her horns were gone completely, losing that demonic aura that surrounded her as she felt hands on both side. Pulling her out completely as while she still had the same cream coat and orange mane? When she opened her eyes to see both Ash and Mari helping her out with Najat with a towel in her arms? They saw blue slit eyes, looking at them as she looked the same in her disguise…

Well, beside the pointed teeth and slit eyes now. Giving another cough a bit as she felt herself burning still as smoke still came off her body, she told in a shaky breath. “~H-Hope...you don’t ask me to do, t-that again…~” giving a weak smile of sorts. “~D-Doubt I’ll...could endure it t-the second time…~” (done)

Mari giggled to that and moved aside to let Najat start patting down and gently working the mare’s pain wrecked body. Ash only smirked and told, “~just be good and be nice and I’m sure you don’t have to go through that all over again.~” Then lost that smirk to ask, “~you doing alright? For a moment I was sure Mari was going to dive head first when you stopped moving at the halfway point.~” (end)

Taking deep considerable breaths, she said in a forceful tone. “~Not easy to keep pushing from both pain and the shouts and accusations in the head.~” taking another breath as she kept going, feeling the towel gently working on her as she forced her body to not shake as she continued on. “~But I managed...for the most part.~” snorting in slight amusement as she tried to fend off the pain she was feeling right now. “~Just don’t consider me to do much right now. I think if I try to do any work, I’ll just fall over and knocked out from the pain I’m feeling right now.~” (done)

Smiling gently, Mari told, “~I will ask the Elder for a space where we might rest.~” Then, in a move that Kan was unsure how to take, felt the kitsune hug her and tell, “~am glad you are safe. Worried of your death.~” Getting up and giving a nod before moving to speak to the Opnehu.

Smiling a touch, Najat said, “~you have done a brave, and truly rare thing, Kan-san.~” Continuing her work to gently dry the mare. “~You are among a rare number of demons to both take this test, and survive it. Something to feel a level of pride over.~” (End)

Giving a small laugh, although stopped from the small pain as Kan told with a forced grin to endure the pain. “~Like that motto those Stripes love to use. Either I go all the way, or don’t try at all.~” (done)

“~I’m sure Phobia would just love to hear that outta ya.~” Chuckled Ash while aiding her friend in getting Kan to stand. “~Come on, we’ll get you to a bed or something so you can get some sleep. You definitely need it after that experience.~” (End)

A groan escape from her as she force herself to get on her hooves as the former demon told. “~I almost feel like dropping into something and eating cake after that experience.~” slowly moving each leg to get better adjusted from that experience of near death. (done)

Laughing to that, Ash told, “~How’s this? When we get back to the ship, I’ll ask Book, Mari and Najat here to help me make you one big cake of your pick. Sound good to you?~” The white herno rolling her eyes, but not disagreeing to help. (end)

Grinning to this, she said. “~That I can take. Make sure it’s not too sweet, I’m not like Princess Cake in Equestria that stuff down the desserts.~” then added with a knowing look. “~and before you say I just insulted her, let me remind you that I saw how much Celestia enjoys cake to the point she could eat them for days.~” (done)

While Ash snickered, Mari returned and spoke with a waving hand, “~Come. Honored Elder has given us permission to rest in one of the lower rooms for the night so you may recover, Kan-san.~” Motioning to both to follow while she added, “~will be time before magic is strong once more. Best to rest and allow us to do most work for you, Kan-san.~” (End)

“~My thanks…~” said Kan, as she slight pause in her words as she just said, ‘thanks’. Shaking her head some, she consider that this was something that was part of surviving purified water. Being able to feel a bit more empathetic to other's and lose that ‘indifference’ she had of mortals. Sighing some, she look to the them and joke. “~but if you will do most of the work for me, then I guess you can handle the paperwork and taxes I do for the Stripe then?~” (done)

To that, both Ash and Mari looked to the other and then to a hardly paying attention Najat. “~Not it!~” Called out Ash, while at the same time, Mari spoke, “~no know common words.~”

Najat blinked and looked to both of her friend and Mari, then blankly reminded, “~I may know how to handle paperwork, Ash-chan. But I can not read the common language used. You are the only one besides Kan-san herself that can read it.~” though added to Kan, “~and I would not entrust financial work to Ash-chan. Her skills with math is poor.~” (end)

Amusement on her expression as she told in a joking tone. “~Another reason you need me around. I’m the only one with the mind to deal with tedious work of math, finances, and reading the paperwork.~” then tease with a grin. “~aren’t you happy that I survived to help with your taxes?~” (done)

Smiling, Mari told with a level of innocent honesty, “~am more happy you live. Would be sad to find new friend parished to test.~” Something about this honesty of Kan’s own safety having more impact than before. The way her smile was more somber or the fact she was subdued just a bit more from her normally preppy self. (end)

Rolling her eyes a bit, she couldn’t help but not smile, or feel a bit...happy they still cared for her well being. She however managed to say while trying to stay calm herself. “~Yes, yes. I’m glad I’m alive too….thanks for being here for me...don’t know how...I would handle it by myself.~” glancing to the side as she was saying this as she was...unused to feeling like this. Feeling...empathetic for no reason. Even more being a bit more mortal now. (done)

“~you’d probably be crawling on the ground after falling flat on your face.~” Helpfully supplied Ash with a grin. Kan wanted to give the cat a slight glare, but at the smile in place, some of that anger calmed at her next set. “~There’s a reason I’m willing to give you a chance, you know. And now that you took it? I’m not going to let you just fall flat without someone there to catch you.~” (End)

Giving a low smile of sorts from Ash words, she simply nod. Figuring that...she should give the cat a chance for being friends...maybe the other's too? She hum a bit and warned. “~Don’t expect me to be too much friendly...never had much friends and I’m still getting use to...care for others for once.~” (done)

“~We will not hold that against you, Kan-san.~” Simply spoke Najat. “~This will be a difficult road for you to take. Simply try and ask for help when needed. There will be times that you may wish for aid in understanding what you feel.~” Seeming to give the elder demon a glance to proceed, “~there will be times you may simply wish to shut out others due to frustration or anger. But if you simply speak and listen, then you will learn how to live with such things.~” (End)

A sigh escape from her, as a shake of her head came as respond. “~it will be a new experience...but tiresome nevertheless.~” humming abit in thought that with ehr….rebirth complete, she figure they were moving on as she asked. “~Where to next?~” (done)

“~My former village.~” Spoke Mari. “~to seek what is rightfully mine.~”