Conquest Horizon

Later on the day, the Striped was honestly shock of Mari keeping around him, a lot longer than he would’ve thought or imagined. It made Phobia want to figure who he could ask about Kitsunes, or about Mari-- or anything at this point, he couldn’t ask Kan, as she might just twist a word or two. Ash wasn’t around and he doubt she would tell him straight.

He didn’t fully trust the Spirit herself, she was giving him the feeling of Camous. His options were limited as he thought of one person...who could tell him. But probably won’t just to spite him or to screw over with him, and he wouldn’t blame Najat one bit for that. He was a cruel asshole too her so...fair’s fair. (Done)

A few askings around and one walk to the room the three girls liked to share, and Phobia was before the door of Ash’s, Najat’s and Mari’s cabin. Knocking, he waited for a moment before the door opened. Najat lifted a brow and asked, “yes, what can I help you with, Phobia-san?” Calm and chilling as always. “Are your constructs suffering from the cold as well?” (End)

“No not yet, they probably might if I try to make them work in the night.” admit Phobia as he soon said with a deep breath. “I’m here for a different reason.” then clap his hands as he said. “I know you probably won’t say anything, I know you would probably just shut the door on me, and I probably expect you to not help me out of spite --which I can understand and fully deserved-- but I’m here because I...need help on figuring out the Kitsune, or in this case...Mari.” Taking a breath as he added. “I’m here, because you’re probably the only person here that won’t give me total bs and tell it to me straight.”(Done)

She stared at him blankly for a moment before breathing in and coming out, gently closing the door behind her. He looked on curiously as she motioned for him to follow, which he did. If not feeling a little unsure of her silence. They went down a few halls then went to a cargo space that he had yet to really fill with anything.

Seeming sure this was good enough, Najat turned to look at him and told, “apologies. I did not feel that you would want to embarrass yourself if Mari were to walk in as we talked.” (end)

“That's...probably a good idea.” said Phobia in admittance as the Striped look to Najat, seeming to wait for whatever she was going to say, or would say to him about this subject. (Done)

Seeing he understood, Najat calmly said, “now, what is it that confuses you most?” Going on to explain, “Kitsune in nature are a very shrouded people. There might be more you do not comprehend, but I will address what you, at this moment, are confused by.” (end)

He took in a breath and place his hands on his forehead. “I just can’t understand Mari…” looking back to Najat as he said. “I can’t understand if she actually likes me, teasing me, or is just fucking with me for amusement. It also doesn’t help that she has a hard time speaking in this language, so I’m just…” giving a groan as he rest his back on a wall. “I’m just trying to figure out if Kitsunes, or Mari in this case, see relationships different and what they like about whoever they’re attracted to.” (Done)

Shaking her head, Najat told, “she toys with the idea.” Figuring out a manner to explain this, without making the striped feel like he’s being used. “Kitsue by nature are always living on the dangerous side of life. They balance it on the tip of a blade, any which way may cause death.”

“Mari is a haynu. For her, that makes the blade's edge all the more finner, and deadly. Life is not simple for her, so she takes her Kitsune teachings to their greatest extent, to make life fullest.” Then considered the striped. “At first, she possibly did this to toy with you. It is nothing on you, all Kitsune toy with people’s habit’s and emotions. Tricksters by nature.”

While Phobia made a face to this, not sure if he liked the idea of being toyed with, Najat went on. “But, it is becoming clear to myself, that Mari may wish to make something out of this playful teasing.” Making his ears perk. Najat closed her eyes in thought, carefully maneuvering her own words to make the clearest of sense. “She teases and toys, so she can understand if you are worth the time. Kitsune ideals are not like your ways. For her, she is testing the waters that you are worthy to have her body.”

“She does not care of sex like you or those of the Isles do.” Explained Najat. “It is not sacred. Sex is a tool. But marriage is a right. You can have intercorse with a Kitsune, and it mean nothing. If you were to truly marry one? Then the sex afterwards is long and drawn out, to express that they have laid claim to you or you her.” While he tried to wrap his mind around this, Najat further told, “but they do not marry like most do. A kitsune merely tells the other, they want them. The process of consummating that ‘marriage’? That is deceded between the two that are to mate on their terms. There is never a ‘courtship’ time or a ‘marriage ceremony’.” (end)

Scrunching his face a bit, Phobia tried to wrap this around his head even further. So…Mari, or Kitsune in general have a ‘long consummating’ that translate for marriage for them? And the only reason she did that little ‘help’ was because sex was use as a tool to get me relax...I feel lik I’ve ben used a lot more than I realized. With a breath as he thought on it, he soon however ask as he glanced to her. “But why me? Out of all the choices she could try to wrap her hands around some guy-- why the unstable ‘madman’ of a Striped? Thats what I don’t get.” (done)

Huffing to that, Najat admitted, “I feel she could of chosen better.” Which he half agreed with, and half felt wounded by. “But, you are the only one she see see’s viable and will not try to kill her, nor her kits if she chose to have any.” Making him look on in surprise, through Najat was stern to tell. “She is Haynu. There are very few that would allow a Haynu to live, very much less procreate in the Holds.”

She then shrugged. “Perhaps she saw something she liked and chose to follow on instinct. Perhaps your loose lips while you were intoxicated by your own reckless drinking allowed her to hear something she chose to cling to. We may never know. But she obviously does this simply because she can. ‘Unstable’ is considered a obstacle to move past for Kitsune, due to their way of life.” (end)

Leaning back as he cross his arms, Phobia asked. “So you’re saying that she’s testing me till she thinks I’m good enough and see all the quialties she like and just...go up and say ‘I want you’, just like that?” (done)

Rolling her eyes, Najat told, “in simplest form? Yes.” Then breathed out, “In reality, she may dance around you and then cause you to dance in confusion as she tries to coax you to ask her that question.” Going on to tell flatly, “this is as much as a game as it is a want, Phobia-San. Kitsune are whimsical like that, though it seems to be mostly a female trait amongst them.” (end)

Letting out a breath, Phobia rub his forehead as for a brief moment, he felt that migraine slowly forming in his head. (done)

“You should consider yourself lucky.” Najat seemed to tell him. “She has taken her time to do much of nothing. Most others would have taken what they wanted and left long ago.” (end)

He couldn’t help but snort and told. “Sometimes I can’t help but feel it’s like that with everything.” feeling a bit of bitterness as he rolled his eyes. “Like my clan, all I wanted was to make something great for everyone, and took so much time away just to make it all ready, and what do they do? Spit at it and toss me away.” He shook his head and changed the subject as he told. “Thanks Najat, that certainly help explained a bit.” feeling the miragine more as he rub his head a bit and told.

“Now if you excuse me….I got this killer headache bothering me.” (done)

As he turned, he was stopped by a hand suddenly gripping his shoulder. It nearly shocked him as a reminder, how fast Najat could move if she so chose. And looking back into her cold eyes, the Herno told. “Do not run from the past, Phobia. It will only return to haunt you. You wish to know why you were discarded?” Then slightly narrowed her eyes. “Then ask why they would have reason to. You know in your heart the truth. You must come to terms of your own actions.” (end)

“I….” Started Phobia as he look away, thinking briefly as he shook his head and told. “I just stole alot and used up everything to make the ship and golems...thats all I’ve done, Najat.” (done)

Keeping her eyes on him, Najat let go and walked past him, heading for the door and saying, “then why does your words sound with doubt?” Leaving him to stand in thought as she went to do her own things. (End)

Phobia shook his head a bit, rubbing his head with his left hand as he tried to ease his headache as he thought. Ugh...I know just stole a lot, it's a sin in the Isles, even among the Stripes. Phobia tried to ease his breath, but had to move. Mostly to just..lay down somewhere. Ever since he left the temple, he’s been getting more headaches. Phobia really needed to find a set of the gemstone and that rod, just so he could ‘practice’ with the notes like that one monk mention.

But in the meantime, Phobia was...at least somewhat assured Mari liked him, eve nif he didn’t knew the full reasons. Sure she would probably toy and mess with him, but only to learn more on him and see if she likes him that much. In a way, it reminded him of how Stripes were with meeting with people, or starting to see someone as ‘courtships’ material. Phobia however snorted as he shook his head gently.

Get real Phobia. She’s just testing the waters, as soon as she find another guy thats a lot better, she’ll dump me and go after him...even more if he doesn’t seem bother with her being Haynu. thought Phobia as despite this line of thought, another part reminded that there weren’t that many guys that would think like that. And the only reason she was considering Phobia, was all because the Striped didn’t care if she was Haynu or not

Rubbing his head a bit more, he passed a window and saw it was getting dark out. Perhaps it wasn’t a bad time getting some rest, maybe in the morning he could work on that Teleportation machine he had in his vault. Build it and give it a few test-tries before he tried getting into the real fun stuff. The idea put a grin on his lips while heading for his cabin.

It was cold, it was quite and it was…. Very empty. Those that wanted to explore the village all got bundled up and left out, Ash and Najat leading the way through the snow. Mari seemed to have come along, and also wore a more heavy Kimono much like Najat’s own, just to stave off the cold.

The chilling winds that blew by made Zaki shiver some, glad that Book provided her a coat for her. She knew the Holds could get cold, but it was just figged here, and the snow? It was still a new sight, though she had seen it a bit during her travels.

They slowed to a stop, Ash seeming to look about and say, “definitely was a Herno village. You can just tell by the houses. Stright, white, square… very boring to look at…” (End)

Looking over Zaki said. “Its so...different.” then glance to Nibbles as the Spirit was floating without anything as she asked. “You aren’t feeling cold?”

“Eh, no offense Zaki but I’ve felt worse.” Giving a look around as she said. “I almost forgot how Hernos like to build their homes...remind me that one time I was briefly with a Herno mage once. Boy was she not happy that I was a Spirit of Faith when she discovered me.” (done)

“Yeeeah, faith ain’t one of our strong suites.” Admitted Ash, “we were more about duty, honor and expecting the ever living daylights out of each other.”

Najat gave Ash a long look, but son returned her gaze forwards. “Faith is seen as often unneeded. We expect highly of out Clan to do as they were taught. There is often no need to hope or have faith in them keeping straight and narrow. Simply know and expect they will. If betrayal would to pass? We often can tell. We are transparent in that regard.”

Ash seemed to tell jokingly to the others in a false whisper, “that’s why we use paper for indoor-walls. That way you can’t whisper your secrets around.” (end)

Nibbles laugh a bit as Zaki shook her head and look to Nibbles and asked in surprise. “Is Faith really that weak compare to other Spirits?” she admitally thought Faith was one of the stronger aspects for the ascending spirits.

Nibbles gave a iffy hand motioned. “Officially? Faith is equal to all the rest. Unofficially? Faith is regarded as the lowest rank among Spirits and holders. Mostly because Duty, Honor, Courage-- all the good spirits like those are made of tougher and more direct. While Faith is more untouchable, or harder to grasp for anyone. You can’t use it for a fight, its far easier to know when Courage or Duty is shown or felt.

“Faith is more harder to see when it appears. Because its more...subtle in a sense. And more spiritual, not everyone is so spiritually attuned either.” then shrug as she admit. “The only reason I’m the exception, is because I’m a lot older than most other Faith Spirits, a lot stronger too than some of the other Spirits if they’re willing to admit it.” (done)

Roaming around a bend, Ash said, “sounds like you should of been paired with a priestess Herno. Or a Opnehu. Or maybe a soul-searching travel. They would be more up your ally.” (end)

Laughing, Nibbles said. “Sadly Fate wasn’t kind onto me in those instances, as the mage took my ring elsewhere and left it till a tresure hunter found it.” She heard Ash telling, ‘jerk’ as Nibbles nod. “Yeah. some people are, or some Hernos in this case are jerks. But sometimes I don't’ get to pick my holders, sometime I just...have to go with the flow. Camous however upright manipulates people into picking her container up.”

“I’m more of the...going along for the ride sort of deal.” then let out a whistle and a grin. “And boy, there are times when I’m surprised by a few holders. One time, I was in a group with a really Racky Striped, there was Courage, Unity, Knowledge-- I even met a Joy or Inspiration among the group with him.” Shaking her head as she told. “And that Striped did alot, helped alot of STripes hid during the war, even help escorted them to Whitemanes or Blackmanes-- or Zebras. I’m sure they made him into a big story.”

Zaki look surprised as she asked. “That actually happen? I thought it was just a folklore the Stripes made.” Nibbles grin and told.

“You be surprised by the grain of truth reside in each story.” (Done)

Ash had to nod at that. “You’d be surprised what’s actually true. I mean, just look at my Mom told me and I later told you.” Making Zaki think some. “Magical Dependence was always a myth, but a few of us Mage herno family’s know about it and keep it alive. Even if most Herno’s forgot.”

“I still questioned why it would be not taught.” Najat spoke up. “We do not squander warnings like that away, often keeping them incase it were to occur again.”

Ash only shrugged. “If I had to guess? Once the lesson was learned and the tradition made? It never became a issue and we sort of just forgot. I mean, if it wasn’t a issue, why try chasing something that’s not there anymore? It’s a waste of time and effort. Even more when our traditions push up to keep going forwards and not dwell on ‘fleeting things’. (end)

“History repeats sometime.” agreed Nibbles as she hum a bit. “If I had to critic you Hernos on something, its that you all never seem to consider on keeping old lessons and traditions, or in this case old warnings. Once you learn on it and put it in your traditions, it’s just drop and never mentioned again until something similar popped up again in the next century or so.” (Done)

Ash glanced to that and told, “that’s actually hard to say, Nibbles. I’m just going off of Najat’s own Clan. I’m sure there’s a few that have more vaster history, but that’s kinda hard to tell. Since the only thing all Clans share are base rules and traditions that have stood for… well, forever it seems. Only other Clan based traditions only being the exception to minor changes.” (end)

Humming, Nibbles had to shrug and conceded. “Yeah, you got a point. Some Clans got little tweaks and others don’t.”

Zaki herself frown as she said. “But what I don’t understand is why something like that never been addressed to the Isles? Or at least to the Stripes. If we know about that, then there wouldn’t be much of a Exiled Striped.”

“Mostly because any knowledge of something similar to that was forgotten or burn from the Spotted.” reminded Nibbles with a raise finger. “Remember Zaki, the Spotted wanted full on genocide to the Striped, and if they couldn’t kill them all in bodies? They do it in history, old teachings, lessons, even technology, military, and chants. And from the results I say they managed to at least erased or destroyed nearly two centuries worth of knowledge and past from Stripes.” (done)

Thinking it over, Najat agreed. “With that much lost, any warnings would of been forgotten. And during the time of the War, not many knew of the Stripes. So it would stand to reason, that none would know the negative effects in later years.” Then looked to Zaki to smile. “Perhaps we should have Ash aid in passing what she knows, so you might give something in return once you get home.”

“I’ll try.” Ash told, “but my memory on the whole thing’s a bit rusty, might jabber on for a bit while I recall it all.” (end)

“I could probably take anything on what I can at this poin.” admit Zaki as she kept her coat close to her as she went on. “If Stripes that stray too long from their Clan does developed DSC syndrome? It only meant that any Clan member could develop this the moment they’re away from their Clan and chants. They have to repeatedly stay close to not only get the magical charge, but ‘mixed’ their magic with everyone. No one could ever consider a Striped to be independent of his Clan-- because any knowledge of it was lost to them, and to us.” (done)

Shrugging, Ash told, “I’ll tell what I can. But like I said, I don’t really know a cure to it. But we could stop by a temple some time and ask any Opnehu that might know. They tend to know all sorts of whaky stuff.” Spinning her staff and soon resting it on her shoulder as she glanced about. (End)

Zaki nodded...then notice Ash glancing around as she asked. “Is anything wrong Ash?” (done)

Humming, Ash said, “just the fact this place got hit hard. I’ve seen a few bodies around, but not much.”

“Mari did tell that the place was hit by a group of Pirates that take people.” Najat told in reminder.

“I know that, I know the pirate group.” Ash assured while glancing about. “It’s just, take a look around. Even with the missing bodies, this place is still pretty trashed.” Making them look about. “But, it’s only down at the entryway where it’s badly done. Higher up you go, less trashed it is and more intact places are-- except the doors. I gotta wonder if they were here for people, or something else.” (end)

Zaki frown as she said. “I wouldn’t know, since all the Isles had to deal with were slavers or pirates trying to steal valuable or zebras.”

Nibbles thought a bit as she had to agree with Ash. “I’ve seen the works of pirates,” looking over as she told on. “And it’s like instead of plundering and trashing...they were more focus on finding something.” Thinking all the more as she told on. “Usually they just hit and run, take what they can and run off...but with a whole fleet? They were fighting hard, and trying to find something, since if they were here for people? They would take as much as they can and run if they were getting hit too hard by the Hernos.”

Rubing her chin, she admit. “But the problem is what? What could get all of them here, and to try to break down doors? I know it might not be fully people...but it could be whatever the Herno were keeping-- or safeguarding.” (done)

Najat suggested, “perhaps their family scroll contained a secret they desperately wanted.” Something Ash thought on and agreed to with a nod. “Family scrolls hold many secret techniques, and practices. Sometimes information of dangerous things we often write down, so we might protect it later if need be.” (end)

“Family scrolls?” asked Zaki in confusion as Nibbles explain.

“Think of it as the entire history, practices, and countless teachings rolled up into one. It’ll be like the Zebras teachings of shamanism, but instead of oral, its all written down and rolled up into a big bundle of a scroll.” Zaki thought and slowly nodded as she wrap her head a bit on that, as Nibbles turn to the two Hernos and admit. “We can’t rule out the possibility, even less with how many ships there are…” then frown and soon asked.

“But one thing that boggles me, is why they would have a destroyer here. I mean it makes sense for interceptors, frigates-- even a few warships and battleships but...A destroyer? That's heavy duty right there.” (Done)

Ash had to agree. “I know. And that’s got me worried. I mean, there aren't any of those big-ol’ battleship ones sitting out there. OTherwise they’d just bombard it from a distance a Herno couldn't reach.” Then shook her head. “Naw, something here was worth risking a whole fleet and taking on a obviously well trained warrior Herno Village.”

“The only unanswered question. What?” Asked Najat. “Because it’s either still here, or most certainly gone. Be it taken by Pirates, left to burn or taken by the remains of the no-doubt fleeing clan.” (end)

“Well, thats what we’re here to find out, right?” said Nibbles as she glance around as she swore she could...feel something familiar. But it was too hard to tell on what it was, or possibly hidden under something as the Spirit shook her head a bit to this. Probably nothing. thought Nibbles as she said. “In either case, we might figure it out in a week or two. With so much ships around and info in them? Phobia would probably ensure not a single bit of the ships remain, so we could have ample time to scoure around the village and check inside every one to get any hints or clues.” (Done)

Ash gave a slow nod to that, though still felt concerned of what the fleet came for.

With a near two weeks of full-on work, Phobia’s cargo had long since become near brimming with metals. He had to go to work with Golems to break down as much as possible, just to make it all fit. Carefully pick through what was found only keep the best-- because they didn’t have room for it all. There was just that much-- not counting the holy-grail that was the Destroyer.

But even then he found himself busy. Making the teleporter, working with Jiru on filling in new sections of the ship and it’s systems. And until recently, take a hour out of his busy schedule to use a set of crystal bowls Najat found during an excursion into the Village. Apparently the set was a surviving bit of a building that was half collapsed.

Now though, it was his turn to look the place over. Mari tagging along with Zaki and her spirit. One mostly curious of the Village still, and the other wanting to know more. Phobia himself went for a unmarked place to scavenging in, and adjusted the coat he had. With it’s own complement of ‘heat seals’ Mari was ever so kind to apply for it and the sleeve with his metal-arm. It nearly confirmed to a corner of his mind, she at least cared about him. (End)

Which is saying a lot than most other's. thought Phobia as he look over the unmarked area, searching around as he was glad he had goggles on, mostly to keep his eyes from any sudden wind blasts. Although he couldn’t help but roll his eyes as both Zaki and Mari were talking-- about Stripes. Or rather tidbits of Stripes and scavenging.

“--I’m mostly surprised that he hasn’t taken apart the destroyer.” told Zaki as she glance over the area as she continued on. “Stripes usually jump onto a huge pile of scraps they spot and try to fight off whoever comes near it. They’re almost territorial in whatever they found first.” (done)

“He try.” Mari told. “Find hard, Minotaurs make good steel. Trouble cutting thick hull. Taking longer than thought.” Then giggled out. “Most angered of inside. Parts most resistant to heat.” (end)

Zaki laugh a she joked. “Look like he won’t be getting that destroyer apart anytime soon.”

“Ha,ha,ha.” dryly added in Phobia as he said. “I’m still annoyed you know.” giving a stink-eye to where the destroyer was. “Its like it’s taunting me with its mass and metal. Only to deny me of it’s resources!” (done)

Turning to him, Mari told, “no fault. Minotaur too good. Even they have trouble cutting own steel.” (end)

Snorting, Phobia said. “Well, at least I can laugh at them for having trouble with their own metal.” He snort as as he told. “Still, wish I could take all the materials I can from these ships. Its Scrap Heaven for me.”

Zaki whisper lowly to Mari. “He’s not kidding, Stripes would leap onto this like a dragon on gold. This would be a gold mine for Stripes to see.” (Done)

To that, Mari spoke, “perhaps. But for here, metal most common.” Though she did say more aloud, “though, most surprised. Most would scavenge ships. Must be too too far north for King ships to see.” (end)

Phobia glance around, thinking a bit as he had to agree to a extent as he told. “They also probably can’t see it since with all the clouds and snow. Probably make it difficult to see anything, or travel farther without risk of weather.”

Zaki nodded a bit, as she glance to the currently ‘hidden’ Nibbles, the Spirit was glancing around as she felt something off. Zaki wondered on what was causing the Spirit to be thinking, but didn’t had time as Phobia said. “Well look at that.” looking to a house as the Striped move in, both zebra and Kitsune followed with as Phobia glance around. “Let's see on what we can scavenge around here.” (done)

The female side’s of their respective species, all had a collective eye roll at the very malish response. They followed in, looking about the house and it’s spaces. Mari herself walked gently over the wood, her steps making not a sound. Phobia was a bit more louder, paws and claws scrapping and tapping all over as he rushed about to find anything worth of value.

When she looked at him opening a box that seemed half burnt, her ears perks. When he took out a blade, Mari rushed over and gently made him put it back. When he gave a questioning look, Mari told, “Family honor blade.” coaxing him to let go and she herself, gently closing the box and picking it up. “Very special.” And glanced to a small stand where she placed it respectfully back and seemed to kneel and do some prair before it.

Even as she kept her position, Mari told, “respect the dead. Respect Herno heritage. If some live, will return to get what is theirs.” (end)

Giving a glance to the blade as part of him wants to take it to be used...another part thought back to...Striped own heritage and their inventiosn as he let out a low breath and said. “Arlight...I’ll leave it be….” then glance over as he admit. “Although there’s not much that can be salvage here...looks like it nearly pick clean or too broken to scavenge.”

Zaki put in what Najat told to her once. “Hernos apparenlty don’t have much material items, they don’t put in much stock of lavish or extra things. Just basic and simple things.”

Phobia snort, but didn’t comment as he move around to inspect anything else, as the Striped figure if there was nothing here? Then he could leave and go to another house. However as he examine around, he noticed part of a wall burnt and tilted...and showing something behind it. “Hello.” getting the two females attention as he moved the wall off to reveal a extra room. “Looks like someone wanted to hide something.” Examining some seals in the way, as he began to tinker and work over.

Zaki slowly moved behind him as Nibbles look over in thought as the Spirit wonder on what it was behind this door and so she got curious to move past it. Going through and noticing that there were extra seals to act as ‘locks’ to ensure no one could get in easily. She reach the end as she felt her eyes widen. Seeing on a pedistal with seals covering it, with a cahined book with seals around the chains and a lock that held the chians together of a familiar and oddly looking stitched book.

She had to remove her invisiblity as she mutter. “Crap, Crap, Crap, crap, crap-- HOW DID THIS CAME HERE!?!” Being pancik as she glance back, knowing that the Striped would figure out the book as she look back to it as she said. “Okay, calm down, I’m sure Mari could stop him, persuading him to NOT open the seals.” then thought and shook her head. “No, no, she probably won’t know….” She tap her head in thought and knew that usualy Spirits try to esrase the Aluminas as much as possible.

And she knew that despite best efforts on hidding books-- but horrible in some cases. (done)

She heard and felt a shift, a set of seals were undone. Nibbles wondered how, until she looked back to see Mari had apparently undid the first set, just so she and the other’s could step in and look at the room and the book. The Kitsune, just as the Spirit thought, only gave a purr of curiosity. Though did say, “am not sure is good idea. Seals… look of containing. Book… may be dangerous?” (end)

Turning, Nibbles recalled Camous words, ‘Those Spirits thought they were so smart-- well, it’s biting them in the ass now because people have no idea what they’re messing with.’ Nibbles facepalm to this as she heard Zaki ask in surprised.

“Nibbles? I thought you were still in the ring?” being a little surprised that she didn’t need to use her magic to bring Nibbles out of the ring itself.

“Oh hey….Zaki.” said Nibbles with a unease grin as she said to the three. “Listen, how about...you all just, go on ahead! I’ll handle the book here, because well….you really don’t want it.”

Phobia look to Nibbles as he look from her, to the book, then to her as he said. “You’re hiding something about the book, aren’t you?”

“What? Noooooo!” said Nibbles as she try to convinced them. “I just think I should keep it around, you know, since the seals are on it for a reason, and well I think its better for a Spirit than a mortal to be by it, you know?” (Done)

Mari tilted her head to this, and looked from the spirit to the book. When she looked up again, the Kitsune spoke, “you know of book?” Very much curious. Her kitsune nature possibly now seeing a possible tool-- a maybe dangerous one, but a tool. And from the look Phobia was getting… it was like he was getting more and more curious of it-- and knowing him? He saw no danger in a book. A book was a book. (End)

She move before the two and cross her arms. “NOPE! Nuh-uh! No way! You two are NOT getting near this!”

“Ha, so you do admit you’re hiding about it!” called out Phobia as Nibbles groan and face palm, as Zaki look confused on why Nibbles was making a big deal out of this.

“Ugh, for once, Camous was spot on with the Spirits!” then turn to the two as she said in a serious tone. “Yes, I know about it. It’s called a Alumina-- a very ancient and dangerous book of knowledge and secrets. Its useful-- but it got a curse on it. One that Camous original holder had, a curse that the book will make anyone who hold onto it? Will gain a insatiable urge to seek new knowledge, to find more info and spend more things-- all to put into the damned book.” she thrust a finger up to the two of them.

“The thing to infinite pages, and no matter how much you write down? It’ll give more, and take everything from a person as they’ll live their whole lives writing. I saw first hand on the experience. I saw my original holder literally had to rip the book out of Camous own holder hands when he wouldn’t stop writing in it, day in and day out it slowly drained his life into nothing but a info gather for the book. Camous had to literally buried it under a bolder and her holder had suffer side-effects of discomfort.”

“The only way to lift the curse? Is for some unlocky sob to find the book by chance and open the pages. Thats the only way to lift the curse, let someone else hold read it.” she glance back and frown. “And this book is different from that one. Since Aluminas are various in their secrets, but their curses are always the same.” then look back to the two as she said. “Its a dangerous tool, useful...but the price for it is heavy.”

Then Nibbles told flaty. “And if you’re not careful with it’s knowledge? It has secrets that cause genocide, sink continents, cause disasters of great scale-- I was lucky to see the guy have it. He was wise for someone of his age and careful. Even more that he had Camous to help him understand the dangers of some runes in it.” she then pointed to the two of them.

“But the guy made a mistake and use a wrong rune now and then-- he was fast to correct it before some world-ending event happen. You two? You be lucky to not cause some world event as neither of you understand its dangers.” (done)

Mari glanced back to the book, and was unable to stop from asking, “knowledge unbound? Much to learn and have?” Making a face to soon add, “cursed to… be slave to it’s hunger for more words in it?” (end)

Feeling glad that one of them understand it, Nibbles nodded firmly. “Yes. Alumina are dangerous, sure they’re useful, but they aren’t made for benevolent reasons. More dangerous or people wanting power to take it. They would pay the price for that power. Even demons wanted these things.” (Done)

That made Mari actually step back, regarding the book as the bane of her existence. And in all reality, it probably was. Being half-demon put her on the worst side of life possible, mortal and demon’s despising her birth and nature. She was probably scared what it may do to her and all the things she did to make herself a person. (end)

Phobia look to the book as he told. “It’s just a book,” then look to Nibbles as he said. “Beside, we can probably learn a bit from it and use it to deal with Tyra.”

Looking at him, Nibbles nearly shouted. “Did you not hear a single word I just said!?” she motioned her arms to the sealed book. “There's a reason that thing is….” then pause and said. “Oh…..” looking form the three, then to the book….then out to the door and said. “ooooooooohhhh….That's why they sent so much….” then look to the confused trio as she said. “They were after the book!”

Phobia scrunch his face as he said. “Wait...you mean...the pirates?”

Nibbles facepalm and said. “Its the only reason why they sent a damned fleet and destoryer! These books are the biggest temptations to mortals since in the old days. Ugh, it reminds me the time when Camous told me the story about how some wizards in a city conceived the book of Alumina by a demon of insatibale knoweldge to make them craft the book and allow the demon to be grant power.”

“And...what...happened?” asked a unsure Zaki as Nibbles pull her hand down and said.

“The Alumina was made by the flesh of everyone in the city.” getting all three to wince. “Yeah, thousands are used to make the books and their infinite pages. Anyone with a ALumina can make another one, and those with the books had so much knowledge at their access, ability to read, conceived to any language-- but you’re bound to the book as its slave. Got to put more knowledge in and the demon that whisper its template to those mages? Yeah, plans to come back and take it for himself.”

Then roll a hand around. “Sure he’s locked up deep in tartarus and trying to plan out,” then jab a finger to Phobia nose with narrow eyes. “But he’s still there! Waiting!” then told flatly. “So don't’.Take. The book.” going on to further push. “Because if you open it, you’re its slave, and if you find a powerful rune and think you can mess with it? You might unleash something worse than the genocide the Spotted did on the Stripes. And only if you’re lucky to get that instead of something even more worse.”

While he looked from spirit to book, striped mind wanting so bad to know.. He heard Mari. “Metal-Arm.” A tone of fearful worry. “Some things.. Best left unknown. Book conceived by Demon tempting.” Then breathed out uneasily. “No trust it. Will doom life. Not be tempt by it, it will only use you.” (end)

Looking from mari, then to book...Phobia snort and said. “Fine, fine…” then move back as he turn and said. “I’ll just get out…” although as he did, Nibbles motioned to Zaki to head out. She motioned a hand to let Mari stay as she waited till the Striped was out of earshot as she told to Mari.

“He’s going to try to grab it later.” Looking to Mari with a exasperated expression. “I seen it in his eyes.” Shaking her head as she admit. “If there's one thing I learn the hard way with Stripes? They can be the smartest of genius that ever lived-- and the most insane driven species that ever walked the earth.” Crossing her arms as she said. “The temptation is going to be too strong, especially with how messed up his mind is now…” (done)

Thinking on it, Mari told, “then he no ever find.” Getting into her kimono to get her seals and deftly take a few. Walking back a few steps, she placed one on the floor. Then the wall, the other wall and then the ceiling. Holding up a few more, she told, “put in room, on all walls.” And while Nibbles wondered, she took the seals, doing as asked before coming back. Mari nod and clapped her hands before tapping a seal.

Each of the tags lit up, glowing bright before there was a odd… haze. Nibbles felt it out, but it didn’t make sense. Though as Mari stood, she told. “Any that seek this book and room, will not find. Will always walk past, as if it no exist.” (end)

Letting a breath of relief, she nod and said. “Good. That's the best we can do for now…” then look to Mari as she admit. “We should be lucky I was here. Stripes don’t see a limit in gaining knowledge or progress.” shaking her head as she went on. “Even more for the likes of Phobia, he would probably justify it as a means to learn something to build something, or to fight Tyra...all the while being the book slave.”

Snorting a bit as she glance back to where the book was. “That's the dangers of the Alumina. It give such sweet, juicy temptations like a fruit, but after you take the first taste, it slowly becomes a rotten and bile aftertaste as you’re bound to take more and more bites, just to saite the bitterness.” (done)

Nodding, Mari began to walk out, Nibbles by her side. The kitsune furrowed her brows, and once they reached the doorway that lead to the book? Got out more seal tags, slapping them about the walls of the doorway and hall before activating them.

At the look Nibbles gave, Mari told, “security tags. Barrier tags. Repulsion tags. Incase Metal-Arm use golem.” (end)

Nodding, Nibbles said. “Good idea. He would if he think the risk was worth it.” scratching the back of her head as she saw the two already outside. She look to Mari as she spoke in the native tongue. “Look, I know you’re probably testing him out, and I respect that Mari. there's a lot of risk...but if you don’t give him something to focus on, or something that takes his attention? He’s going to be thinking on the book by the time I’m away. Its in a Striped nature to push the boundaries.” (done)

Smiling, Mari giggled mischievously and skipped on ahead. Nibbles became very curious and floated along as the kitsune made a jump and surprise the striped by glomping his living arm. “Metal-Arm go to ship, yes?” Making him blink. “Hear you work, heard of Jiru talk of idea. All shiny, new and impressive work?” And wagged her tails, “Faith-Spirit say is most impressive. Will show me, see if truly impressive as they say?” (end)

Nibbles grin lowly as Mari was rather clever. Seeing him splutter a bit as he said. “Oh um, well, its nothing too impressive.” feeling her body all wrapped around his left arm as he said. “Just some golem being crafted, one of the big ones with all the materials we got. It's still in the works, but the design is simple, or as simple as could be.”

Then glance to the side as he admit. “There's a few other projects but, they’re still being worked on, mostly since I need make sure I don’t use too much metals from the haul we got from the ships.” (Done)

“Can I see?” Asked Mari, “would like to see most impressive thing from Metal-Arm. See how good he is?” Going on to press more of those buttons unshameful, “see how skilled, he is?”

A low blush on his face as Phobia siad. “Well...I wouldn’t mind a audience….” slowly walking as he went on as he felt her warmth so close to his body. “Plus...it would be nice beside someone than Jiru was around. I like the guy and all but...sometimes he makes me wonder.” (done)

Giggling, Mari seemed to tempt, “could I be with act, nice close and see intimate things?” Making his face go completely red. “No know how machine works. Would learn being close, prrrr?” (end)

“Well I uhm, ah...YES!” nearly shouted Phobia as he clear his throat, both Zaki and Nibbles trying to hold back their laughter as Phobia started to slowly move faster. “I wouldn’t mind if you’re close! Would be nice if I show you the work, maybe change into something bet-- I mean washable! Because of all the sweat to construct the golems! Yes that's it! Washable!” (Done)

Curiously, Mari couldn’t help herself. “We get dirty then, need wash.” Then perks, “we both shower, scrub most clean after, yes?” (end)

Nibbles almost swore steam exit out of his ears as Phobia stuttered out as he look to Mari. “Y-Ye-es! Right, that, we need, uhm, shower! Clean good from, work! Exaclty like that, Mari!” (done)

Shyly, Mari asked, “you have women not your own, shower with you? Is most bold, Metal-Arm.” (End)

“Well I ah, I mean, uhhh,” said Phobia as Nibbles was trying so hard not to crack, as she and Zaki were behind the two, watching this scene play out as the Spirit knew Mari was messing with Phobia so hard. “I, unless you don’t want to, I wouldn’t, well, I wouldn’t mind! Its ahhh, its because my arm isn’t fully water proof! Especially with too much hot water, I need to uh, take it off now and then, gets reallly hard to wash myself sometimes and well I uhmmmmm.” (done)

“Need pretty women to help wash~?” Asked Mari with a suggestive tone. (End)

“Yes that!” said Phobia in quickness, before he realized what he just said. “I-I-I mean, if you don’t mind that is! It does get, hard to wash out fur with one hand you know!” (Done)

She hummed and nodded, the kitsune having a twinkle in her eyes. “Used to aid wounded with watching. Am not shy to nakid others. Am not shy me naked.” Making him heat up all the more while she leaned on him. “Will help wash, if have trouble. Be only nice to help if need.” (end)

“Y-Yes! Thats ah...that's nice!” said Phobia as he tried to cool down. “I-Its been...a long while since I...ah...did a whole...washing with others, clan communion, you know?” trying to relax as he thought. Okay, calm down. She probably messing with you again, just...just think of it as a clan communion where everyone wash each other and help them out. Yeah...clan washing to save water….although instead of aclan its….two of us….alone….in the bathroom.

He let out al ow breath, unaware of the Mari own thoughts and Nibbles, who went back into the ring of Zaki, was balling and laughing as hard as she liked. The Spirit knew that thanks to Mari, the Striped would forget all about the book, as after all? How could he focus on a book with a sexy lady thats not only close to him, but knew the right words and prhases to get him all tangled up in her hands?