When they return to the ship, the Striped had to work hard to not only show Mari how it works, but getting dirty from the grime and mess as she saw the progress of what he was building.

Although after that, they headed to his own private shower room, as the Striped had to take off his arm and wear nothing but a towel around his waist as he thought. Okay, it just her helping me shower...or bath...or whatever! thought the Striped as he was in the bathroom waiting for him. Think of it as a clan communion, no dirty thoughts...and we can just...move on without it being awkward...she’s just checking you out, and that's all there is...granted she saw my body when I was drunk-- but I was drunk! That didn’t count!

With a deep breath he tried to open the door and enter in, nearly freeze as he saw her completely naked, not even a towel on her as he tired to glance away as he shut the door behind him as he chanted i nhsi head. Clan communion, clan communion, clan communion~! (Done)

Maki smiled cutely, while inside she giggled to no end. He was so adorable all innocent like he was. She got up and walked over, his eyes nearly locking right onto her bare form. From her nicely rounded breasts, to her hypnotizingly swaying hips, her womanhood not hidden at all. When she was close, she took his hand gently and told, “Metal-Arm, no worry. Is just me.” Gently pulling him along and teasing, “and leave towel, is to dry, not to soak.” (end)

“Well uhm ah...a-alright.” stuttered Phobia, as he slowly let go of the towel, letting it drop as he was being gently pulled in by the vixen. He couldn’t help but stare at her body, as it seem he was just too focus on her and her beauty to take notice of his own thoughts, or the fact that she was in the nude. He tried to chant in his mind of it being like a clan communion but… he couldn't stop himself from looking at the Kitsune from top to bottom of her form.

To him she looked...perfect. (Done)

He felt his back go straight when he felt a finger flick lightly on something that made him blush deeply. Mari giggled and told, “am flattered, you see me most pretty.” But didn’t seem to comment more as she got him into the shower and had the water running. While he shifted, Mari told soothingly, “no shy, is ok. You virile male. No shame in lust. Am fertile female. Only natural.” (End)

“R-Right…” stuttered Phobia, feeling glad for the water to wash over him as he couldn’t help but glance back to the female behind him as he was just glad there was space for them both and try to focus on trying to get as much water as he can on himself. Just relax...so far she isn’t insulted or annoyed from my...well dick showing but...ugh, relax Phobia, youre acting like a pre-teen pup! He felt a chill on his back as he shiver a bit, before it became warm.

He glance back to see she found the soap and was washing his back, humming to herself pleasantly. Phobia turn his attention forward, trying to ignore the half-mast member as he tried to find another bar of soap, mostly to get at his chest to try to focus on something. He pause to see she was passing the bar she had before him as he said. “Thanks…” taking it and began scrubbing a bit on his chest as he was letting out a low sigh. (done)

It was… thankfully quite. And it helped him slightly calm down. And as they washed, Mari spoke, “remember time, back in village, where I wash little kit’s.” Making him half pause. “Would watch the children, time to time. Some most hard, difficult. Rush away in dislike to water.” Then giggled, “unless young boy that grew old enough. Then want to join all time.” (end)

He couldn’t help but snort a bit, imagining the image of that. “Yeah, thats when hormones come in.” tying to relax as he managed to finish his chest and was working on his stoamch. It was tricky to work with one arm, but he somewhat gotten used to do it. “I a;most forgotten what it was like to shower with another...or bath…” letting out a hum as a recalling tone came out of his mouth.

“I remember back in my clan, we would always have clan communion. Always coming and just...washing and helping each other wash for a day, mostly to help keep us together, or help each other with a problem. Sometimes help find and remove stuff in our coats.” (done)

Gently giggling, Mari said, “we of Kitsune comin in baths for relaxing. Most time, just for women, or just for men. Rarely for both to same time. But, we are no shy. Sharing makes easy, save space. More when only one hot-spring to share.” (End)

“Hot spring?” asked Phobia in slight curiosity, washing his stomach and his sides. “I never heard of a hot spring. All we got were just springs, nothing hot about them.” (Done)

Hmming, Mari told, “Holds have many a geyser. Places of water that boil in earth and burst up. Scaling hot water, burn flesh. Sometime from bone.” Which wasn’t a pleasant thought. “Some places, those not as hot, bubble up spring water, warm and good for body. So warm, if Kitsune were to be lost in blizzard of ice, we teach to find hot spring. To go in, bath in warmth, and survive the deadly cold.” (end)

Humming, Phobia slowly nod as he said. “Wonder what they would feel like…” he finish up as he look to his legs.. Then glance a bit behind Mari and around as he thought. Crap...usually I would wash my legs but… not enough space for two people… He clear his throat as he tired to calm himself and not overthink of...anything sexual. “How long unitl you’re finish Mari? I mean you might need to wash yourself too.” (done)

“Will in time.” She told. “But, first ask.” Her hands rinsing his back some as she asked, “you tense.” And like that, he felt himself go straight at the her hands going where most wouldn’t touch. “You wish to let go?” And while he held still, Mari leaned on his back, her slender body felt in full. “Metal-Arm… no shy. You want this one, yes? You lust for it.” Slightly playing with his length in thought. “Of no shame. Be truthful?” (End)

She's calling me out...plus, Najat did say….Look if you’re honest, and maybe, just maybe-- the Ancestors will give pity for you for once, Phobia… Taking a deep breath in, as he admitted. “Yes.” giving a sideway glance as he said. “I do...so...much. I want to...to be with you, to,” taking a moment ot calm his breathing as he went on. “To be closer to….have you. You’re beautiful, you’re perfect Mari….” then let out a breath as he let his forehead rest on the shower.

“But despite me wanting to just say I want you...I’m….afraid.” part of him was screaming to shut up but...another part, a old and familiar feeling told him to just go all the way and do it. To just confess like a Striped should. “Because for all I know, when I do ask you, it could be...nothing. Could be a simple no, could be just...leading me astray...I still don’t understand about Kitsunes, even if I try to learn, I just...can’t wrap my head around it.” (Done)

Feeling her pull for him to turn, he slowly did so, and felt her press her body up. His and hers molded to the other, a bit awkwardly, but it did so. None more so than his male pride up against her female pride. It made his spine tingle, and he felt the want to grab, to hold. Mari purred in her almost cute manner and told. “Am truthful. May die any day. You, may die any day.” Then pulled back to smile at him. “No regret. Live life to full. Kitsune know life, is ever short.” And slightly opened her stace more, sowing more of herself. “We share this, not miss chance. If I die, no regret. If you die, no regret. If we live, can have more.” (end)

Phobia could feel the water running down his back, as well as his member nearing hers hidden flower, he tried to ignore the latter as he moved his left hand up. Being a bit hesitant about it, but slowly cup his hand to her cheek as he took in a deep breath and thought. Alright...Gear-Mind. feeling a strange twinge in his heart as he spoke his former name. All the way. With a low exhale, he asked in a nervous tone. “Mari….will you...will you be mine, as I will be yours...as…” gulping a bit as he finish. “As mates?” (Done)

With a gentle smile, Mari placed a hand to his cheek. “You fear.” Making him plaster his ears back. “I know. Is scary. We know little of other.” Being so… so honest. “I offer taste, of being one. If you want commit?” She prred to herself in thought. “Will you get better?” Making him blink in confusion. “We have sex, here. Share it. Savor it. Will be deal, from I and you. Deal that, when you better, when you well, when you sound and strong… then, we truly be as mates.” Then gently add, “we then, have kits? Family? More?” (End)

He thought on it hard and long, thinking a bit as while he didn’t knew much on ‘get better’. She didn’t give him a yes….but not a no either. From what he could understand that she would agreed and be his mate fully-- once he is fully better. Because...there was something wrong with him, and she’s worry he’ll die before they can have a real life. If he did die? Then they won’t regret as they had a chance to share each other body...but if he lives? He’ll have a woman willing to be his mate.

And for Phobia, a Exiled Striped? That...was possibly the greatest thing he could ask for. To have someone to actually love him. But only on the conditions he would get better. I rather give up my dreams of world domination and rling...if it meant I could have someone like Mari by my side….as a mate. One that wants to have young, a family….and every Striped know that the best creation you could ever help invent….is having a family and kits.

Looking to her fully, he gently rest his forehead against hers as he spoke in a unusual gentle tone. “I’ll..try to be better. To try to...fix myself, Mari.” (done)

Feeling a hand move his head up to look at her, no, look her in the eye. Her bright, red eyes, Mari spoke. “Kitsune way: Risk it all, or not at all.” Which… resonate with something only Stripes were known to understand, to conceive-- but here… right now, in a Kitsune’s own teaching, he heard his own people’s way of life echo out there and then.

“All the way, or not at all.” spoke Phobia in a...longing tone as he felt them reverbiting into his being as his dark-green eyes look into her own bright red eyes as Phobia spoke. “I’ll go all the way for you Mari...if it meant I’ll have a chance to be with you.” for once Phobia felt his guard lowering and...feeling vulnerable for the first time in his life, as he didn’t knew why but he wanted to just...to just stop being Phobia, to stop being this crazy and unstoppable being and just...just be Gear-mind again. (done)

She smiled, backing some and training a finger down his chest, she spoke to keep his focus. “Then will be condition, to have me.” And teased, “now, for taste.” Hand gripping him and her body moving as both hissed and huummed, Phobia suddenly feeling a whole new pleasure overtake his mind in utter want. Mari hilted and smiled behind his shoulder, knowing she now had him for sure. He was going to get better, if not for himself, then the knowledge of the fact he’ll have her, and all the feminine pleasures her womanhood could give him.

(End)

Phobia had never believe that having sex was the greatest thing ever. Sure that blow job form Najat was something...but Mari was on a whole different level. He felt pleasure he’ll never experience as he knew after having sex, washing up, sex in the bed and sleeping and washing up?

Phobia can full heartedly say he would drop everything just to have Mari as his ‘mate’ for life. He also figure to try to endure more of the crystal with the notes, as to ‘fix’ whatever could be wrong-- but not full time. Mostly since it was both painful, and the monkey did say once a day...or twice a day….he forgot which it was in the excitement in his mind. All he did recall was this time it wasn’t as painful and more uncomfortable.

But with what Mari did to him last night?

Made his body feel all the more relax.

Although he worked on the teleporter in the docks, as it was close on hand as some of the other's were in the town exploring as he heard hoofsteps as Kan asked. “What are you doing?” Looking over the device as Phobia told.

“Building a teleporter.” working on the iring as he said. “One of my older ideas, figure I give it a try.”

Kan gave a flat face as she reminded. “Don’t you mean you stole it?”

“Details!” told Phobia as he was almost finish on the insides of it. (Done)

Kan glanced around the place, feeling a odd energy. She wouldn’t say it was displeasing, but it felt familiar as it did ominous. While she tried to ponder this and Phobia closed a hatch, Ash and Najat wandered it. Ash saying, “Hey Phob, what’cha workin’ on?” Looking it over and said, “fancy….” Then asked, “anyways, I wanted to ask cuz, well… I got this itch you see.” (end)

Moving back as he turn and grin to Ash as he answered. “This is a teleporter!” motioning to it as he went on. “I figure I can instal this thing to teleport someone-- or the ship somewhere. But i need to make some small tests to see if it can be work fully or not.” as he motioned to a box of ‘test objects’ as they were just wood, some stone, or in some cases some old rags. “These will be the test subject for my testing on teleportation!” (Done)

Looking it all over, and understanding the concept, Najat said, “Impressive.” Which had Phobia looking at her with… well, he wasn’t expecting her to say those words but… he held his breath. “But I must ask what you use to power such a… device. Surly it takes a large deal to power, I have heard of runes that do the same, but can be costly.” And most of this was based off a rune so… she wasn’t actually that far from the truth. Even as he started up the machine. It made Ash shift uncomfortable, and Kan have a thoughtful look, as if they could feel the power. (End)

“Well, that was the problem. But Scrappy found a huge power source! A Dark crystal in fact! I figure, ‘hey if t got s o much juice, might as well use it, right?’” said the Striped as he was working on the machine as Kan eyes widen.

“Turn it off!” quickly moving to try to stop the STriped.

“Wait, what?!” spoke Phobia as Kan tried to look for controls.

“Of all the things, a Dark crystal?! How, why-- Phobia you have no idea what you just did!” (done)

Even Najat and Ash looked on edge, both looking about. “She’s right, you have no idea what'll happen if that thing get’s used!” The dark herno moving about the room watching each part of the machine, Najat seeming just as nervous. He went to assure them.. Before the lights fluxed, going dark before lighting in a unatule shade.

With a start, the machine revved up more, heating up as arcs of dark magic began to spark about. Ash got from relaxed to ready, staff spinning in hand and used to block and even persuade a few arcs to go to it, her marks lighting brightly.

There was a beeping and a slowly rising sound of pressure and Phobia glanced to the machines heat-reducing parts. All of which were getting way too hot. Like that, he started to see problem after problem as the crystal was making the machine overload! Najat rushed, hands out and cooling the machine-- but at the hiss it only melted the ice just as fast.

“How do you shut this thing down!?” Ash shouted, hand out to take more of the dark magic and seemingly absorb it, her once black markings brightly lighting up purple. (end)

“Control panel!” shouted Phobia, moving to the controls to try to turn it off as Ash rush to the side, as she started to whack the machine. “NO, if you do that you’ll cause a overload!” Shouted Phobia as he saw the metal was warping up as it started to reach out a grab her as he shouted. “WATCH OUT!” (Done)

Spinning, she again whacked the machine, and then spun again. Phobia began to understand why she was hitting it-- it was trying to grab her! When he tried to shut the thing down, he had trouble. While he tried to think, he heard Najat freezing more of the machine before there was a screech.

He glanced up and saw Ash had grown some dark crystal at the end of her staff, making it have a piked end and stabbed it into a port where a cord was, trying to pry it off-- and it hit him. She was trying to unplug it-- cut the power! (end)

Moving to the cord, he used his prosthetic hand to try to pull it with her as Kan began to help Najat combat it as she shouted. “What were you thinking, mutt?!”

“I was trying to do something-- what do you think?!” trying to cut the power off as he said. “How was I supposed to know it would be like this?!”

“Dark crystals are full of energy you usually don’t fuck with.” shouted Kan.

“How was I supposed to know they would react like this?! I thought they were dangerous to touch, not dangerous to use!”

“I am going to kick your ass hard if we survive this!” shouted Kan.

Phobia grit his teeth as he saw his prosthetic hand was slowly melting as he was pulling the cord and said. “Almost...got it…”(donE)

When the cord came loose, power burst. Phobia gav a yelp of pain, Kan blacked her sight and the Hernos braced. Powerful electrical and unstable magic began to arc all over, the magine whining loudly before in a thunderclap, everything went quiet. Machine winding down, everyone a little blind and deaf… but it passed. Phobia got back up and glanced down.

His prosthetic was damaged, but it was reparible. Only the hand was damaged and melted, the rest was still intact and easily salvagble. Kan rubbed her eyes, irritated as could be at him. But at a groan she glanced down and became confused and shocked at the… well, it wasn’t Najat. It looked like some young… and hardly clothed herno, and she layed on the ground looking… out of it. Seeming to only have a red wrap around her chest and simple garments.

“B...B-Bakari?” She muttered, trying to get up, but sounding so tired, and drained, “Wh-what?” Her red eyes blinking slowly and trying to get stock of the situation.

Not too far off from Phobia, another groan sounded. When he glance, he didn’t find Ash, but a young boy herno with only blue shorts as he slowly pushed himself up, he looked about and said, “wha?” Then noticed Kan by the other. He burst up-- and fell, stumbling and breathing hard as he glared and said, “G-get away… from… from her..” Though from how sluggishly he was trying to get to his feet? Neither of the two could take him seriously. (end)

Kan look just as shock as Phobia was, both of them were looking at the Hernos in confusion as Kan slowly turn and nearly shouted. “WHAT THE TARTARUS DID YOU DO!?”

“I don’t know!” told Phobia. “The machine wasn’t supposed to be like this-- I just turn it on on 5% of its energy?”

Kan let out a frustrated breath, as she didn’t sense the dark crystal energy, as she said. “Is it still there?” to which Phobia check and Phobia carefully open and said.

“Well...beside it smoking, the crystal is here….Surprisingly.”

Kan snort and question. “What made you think it was a good idea-- oh wait, you’re a Striped! Nothing is a good idea with your species! Just insane ones!”

“Again, not my fault!” told Phobia as he said. “Now how about we quit aruging-- and find out who these two are!”(done)

Seeming now able to stand, the boy Herno breathed in… and nearly shouted with the same invigoration, “that’s what I wanna know!” A sort of… oddly boasterous tone that was very un-Herno-like. “Who are you, where are we-- and get away from my sister!” Pointing to Kan.

While the mare made a face, the ‘sister’ finally seemed to get up, and once standing, began to cautiously back away from Kan, watching wearily. (end)

Placing a hoof over her forehead, as she said. “I’m Kan, and that idiot ver there is Phobia, as for where you are? You’re in a ship.” then asked. “Now, how about we know who you are, since for some reason...you two are in place of some...friends of our.”

“Yeah, uh-huh, sure.” Was the clear doubt from the boy’s voice. But maing her way over, and going around Phobia carfully, the herno girl made her way by his side.

“Bakari, calm down.” But still looking just as lost as he was as she gadge them. But, breathing in, she said, “I’m Bina, and this is my brother, Bakari.” Then looked about, seemeing… lost. “And… we…”

It was Bakari that said, “this is a trap, right?” Making Bina sigh. “Gotta be, after that freak-other demon tried to down us, let me guess, you’re here for--”

He got jabbed in the stomach by his sister, Bina drawing back her elbow to add, “Bakari, calm down!” Making Kan want to pull a face. They were Herno, but they acted… (end)

They were far from what Hernos usually acted like and more like...teenagers. Kan gave a flat look to Bakari as she remark. “If this was a ‘trap’?” making a airquote with a hoof. “Then you would not be in a room, but in a cell, you would not be looking at a pony and a Striped looking befuddle, but two guards keeping you in said cell, and if you were after a demon,” then pause for a moment.

“Wait...demon?” (Done)

Bakari gave a snort, “yeah, because you’re totally a pony.” Making Kan glare… then recall that… she didn’t look entirely pony. (end)

“I’m a Haynu, moron.” flatly told Kan.(Done)

“Whatever!” Bakari argued.

“Anyways.” Bina tried to diffuse, “I… think we can believe them.” Getting a look from Bakari, but with a few flicks of her eyes, the brother slowly pressed his lips tight and scoffed. Hands going to his waistband and looking off to the side.

Sighing, Bina looked back to both and said cautiously, “yes. A demon. They… made a trap us and… well, we were trying to get free before we got zapped by something…” (end)

Phobia snort as he look at his messed up prosthetic hand, having to replace it as he look back to the teleport machine as he said. “Don’t know how you two got here, but probably some mess.”

“Like the teleporter?” dryly said Kan as Phobia told.

“Hey, all I did was just turn it on, nothing else! I don’t even know how ti did whatever it did!” then look to the two as he said. “But what I do know, is that it somehow switch you two with our pals, don’t know how or why, but honestly it piss me off.” then gave a annoyed look to the teleporter. “Even more it wasn’t even supposed to do whatever it did!” (Done)

Turning, Bakari said, “look, we don’t care!” Then nearly shouted, “just send us back, or, something!” Going on to ask, “and where are we? Equestria? The Isles? Arabia?” Trying to know their location at the moment. (end)

“Northern Iron Holds,” started Phobia as he then pointed to the device. “And I can’t, not until I figure out how it brought you two in the first place and switch our two Hernos!” then look over the machine as he said. “I need to break it down and figure out why it did that on start.”

“Because I’ll tell you why,” started Kan in annoyance. “Because you jammed a fucking dark crystal in it, thats why!!” (Done)

Bina and Bakari actually looked to the striped like he lost it, even stepping away from the machine for good measure. Like it was going to blow up or something. But even as they did, Bina asked, “could you… tell us where in the North?” A slight hesitation in her tone while glancing to her brother, whom seemed to understand her gaze. (End)

“Oh just in some abandon Herno village or something.” told Phobia as he examine the machine a bit. Kan noticed both looking confused. For the haynu, it seem like they knew what was being mention, but seem in disbelieve of it all the same. Phobia continued on as he said. “Don’t know the name and don’t care, mostly since all that remains are just ships laying about.”

Shaking their heads, Bakari looked to his sister and said, “no… no we’d notice if someone else came.” Which made Kan wonder. “You don’t think…”

Bina shook her head and turned back to ask, “how old are the ships?” (End)

Kan told. “A few months old, from what one of the crew observed.” (done)

Bina looked to her brother and said, “so no on the time-travel.” Making Kan falter and Phobia stumble.

“Then what else happened?” Asked Bakari in agitation. “We’re in a giant mental room, they found a bunch of ships in a village we were just in, all a few months old-- and we stitched places with their pals! It don’ make sense unless we, what? Slide to another world?” (End)

Phobia gave a confused look to the two, as Kan scrunch her face as she told. “That’s a bit too far-fetched. Even more time travel-- unless you had a powerful spell to travel through time, but I doubt that’s possible.” (done)

The two looked to the other before looking back and asked at the same time, “Death’s Gambler.” Drawing up confusion. It was Bina that asked, “ever heard of him? He’s a big deal in Arabia.” Making them confused. (end)

Furrowing her face, Kan shook her head. “I never heard of that name, even among Saddle Arabia.” Phobia nod in agreement.

“If he was? We would’ve heard of him a long time ago.” (Done)

“Humilite?” Tossed out Bakari, making Kan make a face at the mere mention of the dead place. (End)

“Its a mud hole, no one would live there. Why would it even be important of this conversation.” told Kan, going on to add. “Beside its way far up north, it might as well not exist anymore.” (Done)

More in concern, Bina asked, “The Wheel of Sight of the Isles?” Making Phobia now utterly confused what they were even talking about. (End)

“Wait, the what now?” asked Phobia as he look to the two. “Nothing like that exist, or as far as I can recall.” said the Striped as he went on. “And who would name it like that?” (done)

Bina thought on it and it was Bakari said, “Acordin’ to a friend, some engineer hyeena that works on the Sigil Spire--” This time, the striped understood. The spire the Four Cornerstones helped make to watch for slavers. (End)

“How did you know about that?!” nearly call out the Striped. “The only ones who know are those of the thing are those of the Isles-- how do you two know about it?!” (Done)

While the two got prepared to dash to the side from some attack, Bina carfully told, “a friend. His name’s Felix. He… helped improve the Sigil Spire.” (end)

“Bah! No one by the name help improved it-- it was done by Striped ingenuity and the other's.” told Phobia as he wave a hand in dismissive notion. (done)

MAking a face, Bakari said, “hey, he did improve it! He made the thing the guy’s working there called the ‘Wheel of Sight’ so they could spot Slaver ships before they could even get close to their Islands”

Bina went on, “and Humilite is a Town again, with a river that got unplugged and Herno living with the people and a Opnehu Temple over the lake!” Making Kan twist her face at that being possible. (End)

“No one by the name of Felix came to the Isles as far as I’m aware of.” started Phobia as he glance to Kan as she told.

“And Humilit might as well doesn’t exist. Its a mud town, no one lives there anymore. No Hernos, no river, no Ophenu temple. Just another husk in the north of the Iron Holds.” then frown and asked. “But you seem to think they are around...even more this town…” scrunching her face a bit as she was trying to figure out what happen, or why these two seem insistence of such things. (Done)

With another look, both of the siblings seemed to agree, “different world.” (end)

The haynu and the striped made faces as Phobia told. “That's impossible, no one could ever prove that the multiple world scenario was real! Even less by some of the scholars.”

Kan had to agree with Phobia. “And no one could say it was even a thing, even less as there's no definitive proof that there's a possibility of different world.” (done)

Bth made faces, Bina seeming resigned they wouldn’t believe, and Bakari looking fairly annoyed. “You know what, FINE!” Tossing his hands up and heading for a doorway. “Com’on Bina! Let’s get out of here!”

Bina looked from them to Bakari and said as she went to catch up. “Bakari, wait, they might be the only way home, and we don’t even know the way out of the--” And stopped along with Bakari at all the golems. Each one moving supplies about the part of the ship’s insides still being worked on. Scrappy overwatching them, but having been watching the door in concern… and now confusion at the two new Herno. (End)

Although as they stare on, something flew right in as Nibbles called out. “Arlight, who used dark arts!?” searchign around as Zaki trailed behind and breath a bit heavily.

“slow...down….Nibbles.” trying to catch her breath as Nibbles look onto the two Hernos as she sensed...something different about them. Although Roc managed to follow behind Zaki as he breath a bit hard, Mari however seem to be fine as Nibbles look over to the two odd and unsual Hernos as she look up to see Kan coming out as she asked.

“Kan what happen?”

Kan let out a breath and soon told flatly. “The mutt thought it was a good idea to jam a dark crystal into a teleporter.” Nibbles glance to see Mari with pricked ears, and slightly open eyes, before narrowing as Nibbles pinch the brow of her nose.

“Kan...I am going to assume no one told Phobia that dark crystals could do all sorts of weird stuff it not handled right.” Seeing Kan nod Nibbles let a breath out as she muttered. “If I wasn’t a Spirit of Faith, I would murder him right now.” (Done)

Mari marched on ahead, and both Herno’s jumped out of her path. But Mari didn’t pay them much mind. Instead, she marched into the room… before they heard her near shout. “PHOB!” Apparently having caught onto Ash’s own used nick-name of the Striped. “What say of Black Gem? Is danger, is bad, evil! No use because bad! Why you no listen!?” (end)

“You said it was bad to touch! Not to use!” defended the Striped in the room as he continued. “I didn’t knew it could cause something like that! I didn’t even fully power the teleporter!”

Kan merely shut the door gently, mostly to let the two ‘argue’ on it as she focus to the two Hernos as she said to both Bina and Bakari. “You were saying on heading out?” (done)

Resetting his face into irritation, Bakari said, “Yeah, and what about it, huh!?” Seeming to take up the challenge, maybe even the fight. The amount of spunk he was showing took Nibbles abake a little, mostly because he was old enough to be trained out of such habits-- though looking at him and Bina? Well, they didn’t dress anything like Herno… or hold paise like them… they almost reminded her of Ash’s odd behaviour, but… well, they didn’t seem THAT odd yet.

“Bakari, we can’t leave.” Bina tried to reason, “Phobia made that machine, it might be the only way back home. If we leave, we might never get home, you can’t wayfind home if it’s, you know…” Rubbing her arm in a very uncomfortable manner. (end)

Nibble glance to the two in confusion, as were the other's as Kan inform. “Apparently the mutt teleporter teleported both Ash and Najat-- and switch them with these two.” giving a eye roll. “As much as I loath to admit it-- that idiot may need to keep the machine and the dark crystal around...or at least with my or your expertise to watch him. Mostly to get these two back and our Hernos back.”

Zaki frown as she said. “A dark Crystal?” shaking her head. “Those things are dangerous, should we purify it?”

Nibbles let outa breath and said. “Oh believe me I wish, but Dark crystals got so much power, they can probably do something like this if used right…” then look on as Kan nod her head.

“Sad but true.” then look to the two as she propose. “So how about this? You two stay on the ship and help us with what you can, and in return we’ll try to get the machine to send you properly back to you're place, and with hope we can our Hernos back.” Going on to add. “You two can leave if you wish, I won’t blame you if you do but...in all honesty we’re the only means for you to get back to where you came from.” (done)

Bakari didn’t like it, but Bina nudged him, looking at him… and after a moment he scoffed and looked away. It made The girl smile and tell to Kan with respect, “we’ll take it, and thanks.” Going on to tell, “sorry about Bakari, it’s just… well, a demon ambushed us and… well…” Smle faltering to look away. “Well… something bad happened, and we don’t know how to feel about it.”

With a glare, Bakari said, “how about betrayed? Hirue just… started taking orders from that demon as soon as she suddenly lit up like some chrismass tree!” (End)

“Did she had glowing marks on her?” asked Kan in quickness. Looking to the two. “All glowing a specific energy, as the demons own? All over her body from top to bottom?” seeing the two share a look and slightly nod as she let outa breath. “She’s Demon touched. Probably was controlled by the demon as his puppet.” noticing the two not having a clue what a demon touched was, as it set off red flags of those in the area.

“You two...don’t know what a demon touched is?” cuatiously asked Nibbles. (Done)

Thinking on it, Bakari said, “not really, sis?” Looking to her. Though all Bina did was shrug.

After another moment, Bina said, “I think I heard about it once… something about having demon power or.. Something?”

Snapping his fingers, Bakari said, “Oh right, those weird guys, Monster Hunter’s? Yah, those guys were talkin’ about it.” Then snorted, “I still think they’re nutjobs though.” (End)

“They’re not nutjobs.” told Nibbles as she explained. “Demon touched and demon marked are people who either willing gave themselves up to a demon-- or were forcefully strap down and was tortured to have those markings on them. An judging by what you mention by your friend? She’s obviously was the latter as she was just a puppet for his uses.” (done)

While Bakari seemed to ponder this, Bina became extra worried and took his arm. “Bakari.” Making him look to her. “Hirue’s memories… you don’t think that demon… took them, do you?” Making the boy scowl and look away, unsure if he wanted to accept that as fact, or the fact they were betrayed. (end)

The Spriit of Faith thought for a brief moment and slowly nodded. “Actually it might as well be likely.” looking to the two, as she went on. “There’s a number of ways to do it, spells, incantations, runes, torture to force memory regression. But there are many ways, and demons mostly do it to make mindless slaves. Some used things to steal memories and use it like a bargain chip on the victim to do their bidding.”

Zaki frown to this at this implication, and Roc didn’t like this.

Kan thought over as she soon said. “If I had to give a rough guess? This demon must’ve stolen your friend memories and use bits and pieces to lure her-- and you two to wherever the location was, and trap you all.” (done)

And while the Twins thought that over, something still didn’t click to Kan. Looking over the two, the half-demon couldn’t understand why any demon would want these two. They were Herno, sure, but… they didn’t seem like any Herno she’s ever seen. Shorter fur, odd patterns… and she didn’t see anything unique besides that. They looked more from some tribe than a honored house.

Nibbles on the other hand, felt… something else. She wasn’t sure what it was, but there was… well, it was like power. A odd, unfamiliar power coming off the two. And it left her stumped. Ash had some new things, sure, but most she knew a relatable extent about it. Even the old history of Magical Dependency had a few things she could relate it to. But… not these two. Something about their… power, it…. It wasn’t something she understood. Not clearly. (End)

Nibbles thought over as she was trying to figure out about the power around the two, not understanding as it as she shook her head and introduce. “Well in either case? We can figure it out more along the way. I’m Nibbles, Spirit of Faith, thats Zaki, my ring holder. By her is Roc, her bodyguard.” then motioned a hand to Kan. “You already met Kan, and that vixen you saw is Mari, who is curerntly tearing her-to-be-Striped ear off.” (done)

Both Herno’s gave looks back and, indeed, there was a vixen pulling Phobia along by the ear. It was in that moment that Bina asked, “I thought she had three tails before?” Making Mari flick a ear, but not stop while she continued on to a hall to no doubt talk to Phobia more somolace else.

“I know, I thought she had three tails too.” Agreed Bakari in confusion, though again, seeming to lack any concern about it. Which was odd to Kan, when they were so up-in-arms about her having demon features earlier. (end)

“Oh so because I had demon features I’m suspected, but when it someone looking normal enough, then you don’t bother.” dryly remark Kan. Seeing them do a double take as they look to Kan, then to Mari as if questioning as Kan told. “Haynu’s.” (done)

With another look, Bakari said, “but… she ain’t ugly.” Making Kan, for a moment… see red. (End)

“EXCUSE ME?!” nearly shouted Kan as she stomp a hoof. “Are you saying you’re judging a female by their looks, even if they look completely different than most mares?! I know I might not be good looking for you Hernos, but that is completely rude and disrespectful!” as she pointed a hoof to Bakari. “I am consider near sexy by equine standards!” (Done)

Bakari made a face and opened his mouth-- and found a hand there. Bina looked a bit embarrassed and said, “Uh, sorry. Bakari’s… well, he’s not great when it comes to girl stuff. He tried but he eats his foot a lot.”

Bina took back her hand with a ‘EW!’ shaking it from apparently being licked as Bakari argued, “you take a look sis? How can that Kitsune be even like a demon? She ain’t blistered, ugly or even look like her.” Pointing to Kan.

“I know you’re angry at what happened, but it’s still rude, Bakari!” Bina complained back, using a part of her sash to get the slobber off her hand.

“Rude this, rude that, it ain’t like there’s a open beauty pageant out here, I just think that Mari person just aint’ demon-looking enough.” Told the brother.

“You’re just bias because you had a crush on a kitsune once.” Shot back Bina.

“I did not!” Bakari denied.

“Did too!” Returned Bina.

“Did not, ya nag!” Gritted out Bakari.

“Did too, bonehead!” Fired off Bina.

“Nitpick!” Bakari tossed.

“Jock!” Bina jabbed. (end)

Kan look to the two, as did the other's as this….was not common Herno behavior. Even less from the kids and teenagers. It was...both odd and a eye-opener. (done)

The sight was just so bizarre, even more since Najat was around to see a prime example of what a herno was like-- the mere sight of this was just… entrancing. Eyeing or heads going back and forth as both siblings continued to toss insults back and forth.

“Girl Scout.” Bakari again shot.

“Airhead.” Bina would return.

“Priss.” Pressed back Bakari.

“Ripe!” Bina glared.

Bakari went to insult back, then pause to ask. “Ripe?”

For a moment, Bina paused, “Ripe, as in you smell, or in this case, stink.”

“Oh.” Started Bakari, before he realized what she said basically. “Hey!” (End)

Nibbles clear her throat as she floated by the two to act as mediator. “Now, now, instead of arguing? We should probably...get you two a room so you both can relax, take a breath…” then sniff and held a hand over her nose. “And shower. You both smell and its not from the demon magic.” (Done)

While Bakari sniffed under his arm, Bina seemed to do so with the back of her hand and scrunch up her face. “I think it was the fact the place had mud all over, who knows what was in it.”

“I don’t smell that bad.” Bakari supplied, though at Bina’s glare, he rolled his eyes. “Alright, alright, fine, I’ll take a shower.”

“With soap!” Bina tossed in with a pointed finger. “And a wash of clothes too!” (End)

“Thankfully we have a place.” said Kan as she said. “It may be a bit sudden, but I can lead you to where Ash and Najat room in. They both got full set of bathroom supplies.” then added. “Althoguh..” thinking with a tap of a hoof. “I think we need to set up another room for your brother Bina, as originally Mari, Najat, and Ash shared a same room, so either you bunk in with her, or both you and Bakari have your own separate rooms.” (Dolne)

Rather surprisingly, both Herno said at the same time, “we’re sharing a room.” It was said in such unison and unwilling compromise, the others looked on surprised. Mostly at the fact they want to share a room with the other. “Can’t Mari get another one-- hey!” Getting jabbed by Bina.

“I think my brother ment, are there any other rooms we could bunk in.” More politely asked Bina in turn to her brother’s more rude question. (End)

Kan furrow her brow, but figure they both don’t trust everyone yet to sleep alone. She soon said. “Well, there are a few rooms that are double bunk, but we would need to grab supplies to have you both with shampoos and needed beds….Mostly since we don’t have much beds to offer.” (done)

Making a small laugh to that, Bakari asked, “beds, who needs those?” And while the others thought Bina was going to disagree… she surprisingly didn’t.

Instead, Bina told, “if you have any strong fabric that’s warm, and a blanket to go with it? Bakari and I can make ourselves two hammocks.” (end)

Kan thought as she said. “We can have some hammocks be made...or found among the supplies. Would that be enough for you two?” (done)

“Besides soap for showering and maybe something to wash our clothes.” Bina admitted in thought. “I think that’s it.” Seeming… very low maintenance. Extremely low. And in reality, Kan saw they were not asking for much, nearly nothing. (end)

Nodding a bit in thought, she soon told. “I can lead you to a big enough room, and probably show you to where our washing machines are at.” she then called out. “Hey Scrappy! Mind getting the tin-cans to find soap bars, hammock and blanket?”

The mechanical wolf replied without even turning his head. “I have overheard everything, and will send Grunt 332-1b to acquire the needed items for guest Bina and guest Bakari.”

Kan roll her eyes and said. “Come on you two, I’ll lead you to the room.” (Done)

The two traded a look before following. And while Roc and Zaki seemed to regard the two curiosity, Nibbles was still wondering. She wasn’t sure what the striped did, but she had a feeling things were going to change drastically because of it. (End)

She saw both Zaki and Roc slowly moving on, as Nibbles move to where Phobia was using the dark crystal, she examine the machinery and let out a low breath. Sometimes I wish I know if a Medelier was around, one of them might be able to explain what I;’m looking at. she shook her head however, as she even wonder how the Striped didn’t got himself killed. Because she was pretty sure he would be dead somehow.

She however glance to a nearby calendar….then felt her face flat as she goran and facepalm.

Of course….Tuesday...everything makes sense now. Thought Nibbles in annoyance.

Author's Note

Apparently Phobia wrecked the realties of another reality....Guess where Ash and Najat ended up?