Conquest Horizon

“This sucks.” Huffed out Bakari, trying to calm himself down after drenching himself with water. The examination hadn’t gone as well as Zaki had hoped. Once the place had been cleaned, she went back to check up on Bakari. It went smooth… then when Bina’s turn came up, Zaki tried out a testing method that had her coughing up sparks and smoke. In turn, it caused some water sprinkler to go off and keep the room from ‘burning’. And of course, Bakari got annoyed, and cause the pipe to instead burst.

Zaki was now trying to make sure her med-bay was dry, and there were golems cleaning the place up. While Bakari and Bina walked along, both a bit wet. But it was Bina that said, “I know.” wanting to find some towel or maybe get a change of clothes. “This is like the first time i happened, all over again.” (end)

Coming behind them, Nibbles told with two offered towels. “Well it could be worse, at least it was a minor mess for the moment.” then held up the towels as she smile. “But its a learning experience.” (Done)

Boh gave a heated glare back, and as quietly as possible, Bina nearly hissed. “I nearly caused a town to fall into a fissure when I stomped the ground!”

Bakari soon added, “I nearly caused a three-block fire to spread when I was trying to warm my hands!” Also trying to keep his voice down. Both finishing, “when we were first learning about our powers!” (end)

“Well,” started Nibbles as she float closer and gently place the towels over their shoulders as she told lowly. “At least you two can help each other with the you-know-what.” giving a glance around as she continue on in the low whisper. “Lets continue this in your guys room, walls got ears you know.” (Done)

Both gave long and annoyed sighed to this, Nibbles nearly had to snap her head around to make sure nobody noticed, because Bina let out more sparks of fire, and Bakari for a moment, seem to breath out a fog of cold air. Apparently despite the new balance? Neither one had any idea how to regin in the other’s power. Not even from using them accidentally from the most simplest of actions. (End)

Trying to usher them, Nibbles say in a lighter tone. “Come on, sooner we can get in the room, sooner we can normally.” Wanting to make sure no one notice, or rather any of the golems. Because while they weren’t people? They were able to rely information to Scrappy somehow, and in turn inform the golem mutt to inform Phobia about the ‘oddness’ the two were giving out.

She kept a eye on the area, even more as the two were just walking towards their room. She didn’t say anything for the most part as she was more focus on keeping a eye out for anything or anyone. Although as soon as they were in the room as the door shut behind her? Did Nibbles let out a wave of magic on the door and on the surrounding area as she told. “There we go. No one to overhear us and no spirits of anyform to get in so easily.” (Done)

Not seeming to care about keeping restraint, Bina finished drying some of herself, before lowering her town and giving a very aggravated, “UUUGGGHHH!!!” A ball of flame pouring from her mouth and lighting the room, as well as heating it.

Bakari was unfortunately in her way, and Nibbles flinched at the fire washing over his head. But once it was over, Bakari only looked minorly annoyed. And cooked. But mostly just a bit annoyed. Not a moment later, the sparkler in that room went off at the slight embers and flames that heated the room. Soaking them all again.

Ears flat, Bina said, “oops…” (End)

Nibbles roll her eyes, she wave a hand to stop the sparklers as she told to the two. “Hold still.” moving another hand of magic to ‘wave’ at them as she let out a dry spell to completely dry up the two. “There, quick-dryness.” (done)

Tossing the twol to the side, Bina put her hand sto her mouth, and let out a muffled scream. One that caused her to choak, cough and remove her hands, coughing as smoke puffed out.

Seeming on the draw this time, Bakari whips a hand out, wind seeming to suck in the hot smoke and ember’s before they could start the sparkler, if by off chance. With a sigh out, Bakari said, “Sis, ya gotta relax! Chill!”

“How can I ‘Chill’ Bakari? I remember how you nearly incinerated a forest that one time, or how you caused a galeforce to nearly knock a whole campsite over a ledge!” The feline seeming a little worked up. “We’re in a airship! I’m practically surrounded by things that could get set off!”

“Hey, I ain’t doing better!” Bakari shot back in some agitation. “I don’t feel like causing tsunami’s or making the earth wolk on it’s own either, and you don’t see me making a scene!” A slight gurgling being heard in a pipe. (End)

Noticing their agitation were causing problems around them, Nibbles quickly move by the two and settle her hands onto the shoulders as she spoke in a calming tone. “Relax you two, just try to take a deep breath and let it out slowly. “ Trying to calm the two and help them relax more before they both could accidentally cause a accident. (Done)

Shud’up!” Nearly burst Bakari, causing the pipe to gurgle again. “This is your fault in the first place, if you hadn't--”

“Bakari!” Bina shouted and gained his ire. She held up her hands and said, “please… calm down.. You’re going to make the pipe burst.” Making him stop and hear a gurgling, causing the boy to turn and see a once shaking pipe, calm.

As things began to slowly settle, Nibbles was starting to see why the Opnehu wanted the two to figure this out themselves. They had a lot more power than she originally thought, and from the looks of it? Their emotions were partially tied into their power, and when they got agitated? Well, it was clear that the power they were not used to was going haywire in a sense. They had a good grasp on their ‘natural’ powers now-- but the others? IT wasn’t that well controlled yet. And from the sounds of it? Had the potential to cause disasters by default. (End)

Pulling her hands back, the Spirit remark as she cross her arms. “I can see why the Ophenu wanted to give you that cryptic talk now, since you two are having a trickier time with your ‘new’ abilities. Even more with it connected to emotions.” then added. “Plus, all I gave was a suggestive consideration with the stones, nothing else.” (Done)

Bakri glare to that, seeming ready to rise back at her, but at the slight gurgling of the pipe, he tried to keep his mouth shut and even try to calm himself down. Bina tried to help, patting his back and looking up to say, “we… sort of tried something like this before, but… well, it wasn’t the same. Back then we still didn’t have a good grasp of our power and… well, we didn’t know it could do this.” Which was clear as day to Nibbles, but that made her think. They did this before? But how? The only thing that changed was the fact they swapped stones around. (End)

Humming a bit, she consider that in a way, it was ‘day zero’ for the two with their abilities as she look to them and tried to ease the mood with a low smile. “At least you two can help each other to learn on how to work with your different abilities.” then thought and admit. “But we gotta figure out on this problem, since while you two aren’t influx anymore? You still have a hard time getting used to each other strengths.” (done)

To that, Bina told, “it took us a year or two to figure them out, or hold them back.” Then looked to her brother to add, “I could try and show Bakari, but…”

“I could cause the pipes to burst.” Bakari agreed with a thoughtful tilt of his head. “And Bina might make the vents vacuum air out of some room or somethin’…” (end)

“Which means we might need to find a good training place for you two…” mused Nibbles as she glance and admit. “Or at least let you two switch your stones back for now to have better controls on your powers.” (done)

They both seemed very eager to that idea, and undid their stones to hand them back to the other. And while there was once more an imbalanced that flared up, the two seemed to at least calm down in knowing they weren't going to cause some ship-wide disaster. (End)

Clapping her hands together, Nibbles smile and said. “Good, now while I can sense the imbalance of your auras? We can at least have a much more calmer talk with the three of us now.” (done)

“Why?” Asked Bakari quickly, giving her a still-very distrustful look. (end)

Snorting with a roll of her eyes, she soon place a hand under chin as she said sarcastic tone. “Back to this again, are we?” then said. “Look I get it already, but lets face facts Bakari, I’m probably the closest thing you can trust in this world till you two go back home.” then roll her eyes as she said. “And sure, I ‘spyed’ on you two, but at least it was me that found out, instead of another Spirit, or worse, a demon. Because news travel a lot faster among spirits than you realized.” (Done)

Bina placed a hand on her brother’s chet, mostly to keep him from doing anything. When she looked to Nibbles, Bina told, “you have to excuse us but… how can we trust anyone the first time around?” Going on to tell, “the only spirits we met were ghosts-- and they tried possessing us!” Going on to tell, “Ascended spirits? They either don’t exist back home, or they just seriously don’t care! We’ve never even seen one.”

“And we’re used to demons.” Bakari added. “A lot of them.” Then snort, “seriously, Bina’s right. Every time someone says we can trust them? We can’t, because once they see what we can do? They start getting ideas.” (end)

Huffing, Nibbles figured as much as she soon said. “Fair enough, you got reasons to not trust me, but let me point out a few things. One: I am old, Bakari, like, so old, I might as well be close to a millennium old. Two: the spirits you probably met were people who had regrets and you are probably right on Ascended Spirits not caring, since they hardly meddle in the mortal realm.”

Then added with a roll of her eyes. “And are so high and mighty with their nature at times.” Then look to the two as she continued on. “Three: I’ve seen a bit on what you two can do? And I rather keep you away from those people and demons that get ideas. Especially the likes of Tyra, because once she hears about you two? She is going to try to grab you two immediately.”

Then gave a quick explanation. “Tyra is a demoness hiding in the Iron Holds, odds are she’s in your world too, hiding in the Iron Holds. She also has been working on a pet project for the last 1000 years, a so called ‘god-killer’ work with having a person with all sorts of demonic runes all over her body. And her project I mention? Yeah its Ash, who managed to rebel against Tyra and is currently in your world. Now, once she hears about two Hernos who are demi-gods? She’s going to try to grab you two, put you through utter torture and make you two her newest pieces of work-,”

Then quickly told with a hand up. “And before you say, ‘oh we can run or make her regret that’? She has imps. Lots and lots of Imps with demonic runes to steal your souls.” (done)

For some reason, Bakari nearly cracked up laughing and Bina looked aside to that, confusing Nibbles. They knew about demons, they even made Siege call for them to run because they were worried about imps. Why weren't they taking the Soul stealing seriously? Though the Twins were trying to stay calm, something bout that made it seem like… it wasn’t a issue. (End)

Giving them looks, Nibbles remark. “For some reason...it seems like you two aren’t worried with the whole ‘soul stealing’ I just told you.” (done)

Bakari said, “yeah… let’s jus’ say someone tried that already, and it didn’t go over well.”

With a look, Bina said, “Bakari, the demon exploded when it ate your soul!” (end)

“Wait,” started Nibbles with a questioning look. “You mean...a demon tried to eat your soul...and they exploded?” then gave a look to the two and said in thought. “Either you two got a lot more power than I thought, or your souls are rather more unique and different than most other souls.” (Done)

Glancing to the side, Bina admitted, “I think it’s power, and Bakari agreed. The Demon went up in a explosion of fire and wind and so many other things. It wasn’t funny, and it looked like it really hurt.”

Bakari shrugged, “I wouldn’t fully know, I was sorta coming too and saw the guy’s remains sorta all over the place.” Hands resting behind his head as he scuffed the floor with his foot. “We sorta had to go find some prist to purify us or something because so much demon blood got splattered all over the place from it.” (end)

“Well...that at least assure me on one thing…” muse Nibbles as she look to the two. “But, I rather be cautious and not let tyra know, because if Imps won’t do? She’ll send in her abominations instead.” then grimace. “And believe me, they’re a lot worse than you might imagine.” (done)

The two traded a glance, but made no comment. Instead, Bakari said, “yeah… sure…” Then asked, “can we be alone now? I think Bina and I had enough things going weird like it usually does.”

Bina gave a nod and agreed, “I wouldn’t mind to just… lay down or something. I’m not sure how to take what just happened still.” (End)

Sighing, Nibbles nodded. “Yeah, sure guys. I’ll keep the spells up here just in case…” then added in amusement. “And if you do consider on trying to sneak out? At least remember we are traveling to Arabia to get the information needed to get you two back home.” then exit out of the door and close it behind her as she let out a breath. Floating back to Zaki medical bay as she thought a bit.

Okay...so there's a lot to unpack. Right now they can’t get their souls eaten...maybe stolen, but I’m not sure on that. They aren’t used to Ascendent Spirits, so they got distrust with me, and they don’t know how to feel to know that I know a bit more than they like...well if they do try to escape, I really hope they consider it carefully. Mostly since I did use that favor to Camous to figure out a way back for them.

Letting a annoyed breath came out. I rather hold that favor over her head for at least a few more centuries… but she knew there was nothing she can do, as she had to wait it out, and hoped that they would at least consider her words, or at least give her a tolerance on helping them. She knew that they wouldn’t trust her immediately, but she prefer to at least have them give her the benefit of the doubt.

Nevertheless, she feel that things were going to get even more weirder. She was at least thankful that blasted black fox doesn’t come by anymore.

Phobia didn’t know how to feel as the last week. He felt a sense of his shoulder being lighter, and looking to the new parts that were ‘attached’ to his right shoulder, he had to say it was like the new steel was apart of his flesh and body but...at the same time it wasn’t. Seeing the amount of work on the metal and around it, he can tell it was a mixture of Mari work and possibly someone else that ensure the metal would stay put on him without going into his flesh.

It was still hard to take in that for once, he couldn’t feel the cold touch and the harden metal in his body that was like a Lion claws gripping into his very flesh. Granted it meant that he was going to be a bit tired for now, and won’t be doing much work. Which was annoying, but he recalled from Zaki that he shouldn’t do much activity from the slight blood loss, but from also getting adjusted to the new metal that was ‘connected’ to his shoulder. She mention that his body needed to adjust from not having metal in him anymore, but to get used to the new metal that was covering over his shoulder.

Although he didn’t understand on why he couldn’t cook his own meals fully, or do anything else fully by himself. He just needed a day or two to rest and he should be good.

But Phobia seem to notice that over the week after the operation? Mari seem to be always stay close. Whether it was helping him walk, cooking, helping him clean, or even staying close with him in bed? She was close and ‘keeping a eye on him’. The Striped could tell that Mari was doing more than watching him for his health, she seem to be acting more than a ‘helpful nurse’ in all honesty.

Yet Phobia didn’t fully voice it out, as whenever he tried to prod and figure out why? Her responses seem to be playful and mischievous. Especially in the ‘gutted tongue’ of hers.

He however glance to the mentioned Kitsune, as he noticed she was still as close as always, having his left arm around her shoulder as he spoke. “Mari, are you sure I still need help? I’m pretty sure I can walk a bit better now.” Knowing that even if he felt woozy a few day’s earlier, he felt a bit better now to walk without falling down. But he did know that Jiru wanted to talk to him on something, so the Striped figure to come down by the cargo bay on what the Ophenu wanted to talk about. (done)

“Rest is most needed, Phob.” Told the kitsune pointedly. “But, you insist most to see Jiru. So will aid, until Zakai say otherwise.” Seeming to get a bit better at names and words-- but like always, tripping up now and then. “Will aid, you put up.” Then smiled, “am I not pretty and soft?” (end)

Spluttering, Phobia spoke. “Yes, but,” then shook his head as he told. “Thats beside the point Mari!” although in his fluster moment he almost tripped as his left arm slipped off from Mari shoulders. (done)

Like some pair of serpents, his arm was snatched and made Phobia nearly jerk to a stop before being held back in place. Mari didn’t seem to miss a step, half stopping to correct his stance, get him to stand and walk-- before moving along as if nothing happened. She still told, “see, still need pretty vixen to aid.” (end)

Letting out a sigh, Phobia told. “Maybe you’re right….” then glance to his slightly dangled hand as his arm was back on her shoulders. “But maybe I should let my hand rest on your shoulder? Make it easier for the both of us to help me walk.” Then carefully move his dangling hand to rest on her left shoulder as to handle his weight a bit better as he said. “There…” Figuring that would work for the both of them, granted part of his mind wanted to at least have his hand rest on her waist. But the Striped rather not get Mari angered, since technically they weren’t ‘mates’ yet.

He was still having a bit of trouble to wrap his head on the fact Kitsunes uses sex as a tool. He did however ask to Mari with a glance. “You sure I’m not too heavy to handle my weight Mari?” (done)

Smiling ever so cheerily, Mari told, “hands bend steel, Phob most light.” Continuing on, while Phobia slowly processed the almost dainty kitsune female by him-- could bend steel with her hands. (End)

Bending steel with her bare hands….I don’t know if I should be terrified by that with her breaking me apart-- or be excited for that as she could help me make golems. thought Phobia as another part of his mind question on why he should have her help with his golems...but he was reminded that technically she helped in her own way, as he recalled her learning from him on how some of his golems work, and even more taught her on the runics.

Slightly shaking this off, he figure he should be thankful enough she didn’t break his arm...or other parts of his body with those hands of hers. Granted part of him question how, but he rather not poke a Lioness sleeping...or in this case, a Kitsune being nice to him. When they finally came down to the cargo bay, he saw the Ophenu as he called out. “Jiru! You said you wanted to talk on something?” (done)

The od monkey gave a glance and a large smile from his perch on some pipes. “Give Jiru time, he will be down soon!” And went back to tighten a bolt near the pipes.

In the meantime, Mari helped the striped along, finding a nice place for him to be seated. Once he was down, Jiru jumped and fliped about the many parts of the area to land near and told, “Since day of operation, Jiru had want to show something you might most like, Phobia!” Grinning widely as he told Mari, “come, come, you can help Jiru, yes?”

Mari giggled and gave a nod-- but didn’t leave without giving a quick kiss to Phobia’s cheek and followed the monkey. While he half thought about the small peck to his cheek, all thought of it faded. Jiru and Mari made their way back, and the kitsune herself held a arm.

When it was place by him, Phobia wasn’t sure how to comment to it. It wasn’t his arm-- it was new. With parts and pieces he wasn’t familiar with-- yet Jiru told while taking to a heightened perch. “Jiru felt that once body is ready, you use new limb.” going on to tell, “look at old one, and Jiru felt that using it may not work with new shoulder. So made this for it for you.” (end)

Looking the arm over carefully Phobia could tell a bit of work was put into this. It was also different from what he was normally used to as he commented. “It’s alot different from what I’m used to...even more the parts. What is it made out of anyway? Some sort of steel?” Eying the metal as he went on. “and how are we going to attached it to my shoulder? Just stick it on with more seals?” (Done)

Jiru grinned and held up the oddly mothed end. He motioned for MAri to help, and she did, lifting it and lining it up to his shoulder. Pressing it up, Jiru held up a finger and placed it on a small switch. There was a slight jerk and a dull thump that made Phobia half jolt. When it was over, he looked to the arm that was now… sticking to his side.

Jiru told, even as phobia half flext the new mechanical hand, a odd… sensation in his being. “Is mix of steels. Jiru used few parts to make simple arm, most are in shoulder. Use magnet force, binds by energy, power by you.”

Mari made a face to ask, “is Phob well enough to have it?”

Jiru waved a hand to tell, “not yet, but once better, can use all time!” Then patted the metal arm slowly being moved, “just let him test now, know what it will be like.” Then admitted onwards, “uses mostly common steels, but insides simplified. Lighter than old one.” (End)

“It is.” admitted Phobia as he move the wrist a bit as he went on. “Not as heavy as my old one...but I noticed the hand and wrist is a bit more stiffer than my old one.” seeing the hand slowly move its fingers and made the slow turn of a wrist. “Is it still in progress, Jiru? Because there's a few kinks with the arm, might need a bit more work with how slow it’s moving.” (Done)

Shaking his head, Jiru told while pressing the switch again, cutting the connection and making the limb fall right off. “No, half power by you. Body not strong enough, limb not function as should until you yourself are better in both body and mind.”

Mari told on while booping the stripe’s nose, “wait for body to heal. Then, we heal inner self with bowls. Arm work better then.” (end)

Scrunching his face up, mostly from the boop as he shook his head and said. “I know” then glance to the arm as he said. “Well, might as well take this off, won’t be needing it till another week.” then added to Mari. “and yes, we can head back to my bed so I can rest…” then felt a frown on his face as he admitted. “I just wish that I could cook again, I’ve been craving to enjoy Striped delicacy.” he almost felt himself salivated as he recalled the rats that were in their cages in a closed off room in the kitchens.

Sure he didn’t mind the basic food Mari help cooked for him, but his stomach was craving for the wonderful taste that was rats! Although he knew he wouldn’t taste it till he was done ‘resting up’ as he doubted Mari could stomach on the fact he enjoyed eating rats. (done)

Yet, she helped him up and told, “can cook meal. Only need to ask.” Really, looking at the vixen’s smile, Phobia could tell she meant it. She had been nothing but helpful-- if not overtly so, during his time down. But darn it all, did he want some good old Striped cooking-- something she had no idea how to do! (End)

Making a face, he consider on asking her as he felt the arm being removed by Jiru as he was back on his feet with thanks to Mari as he figured he might as well as he look to her and asked. “Mind if we head to the kitchen together? Because Mari? I really want to enjoy some good Striped cooking and you might need my help on cooking it since….” pausing a bit as he finish in a rather uncertain tone. “Since...it requires….cooking a rat…..” (done)

With a glance, Mari asked, “you do rat dishes too?” (end)

Blinking in surprise, Phobia look to her with surprised on his face as he said. “Wait, you know how to cook rats into meals? I thought it was only Stripes that did it!” (Done)

Giggling, Mari told, “we do, just picky. Herno same, but rats most hand-picked. Kitsune keep stock, Herno very picky on rats more. High standards of what is acceptable. Kitsune, not as picky.” (end)

Staring at her for a brief moment as she held him close, Phobia did the only ‘logical’ thing he could do. The Striped move his head down and gave a surprised kissed to her lips. His left hand moving to hold the back of her head as to keep the kiss to last as long as he could, he didn’t knew how long it was, as he pull away and told breathlessly. “Mari, I think I’m more in love with you than ever before.” Looking at her as he soon pause, realized what he just did….

And what he just said as he told weakly. “Its...not common for anyone to cook rats for meals?” trying to use this as a means to explain to the vixen of what he just did. (done)

She only hummed in a knowing manner, and asked, “not common meal. Rats no give much. Just specail dish when in want.” Finger coming up to play around with his shirt. “Perhaps after meal, we see what else one can have, prrr?” A coy smile working it’s way on her lips. “Would want to taste something more exotic, Phob?” Giggling to add, “something… most delectable while in room to selves?” (End)

Blushing a bit, Phobia realized what she was saying as he said. “Really?” then suddenly said. “I mean yes! I wouldn’t mind one bit! I rarely have anything exoitc like that-- oh markings that came out wrong!” he almost wanted to facepalm, but his new arm was currently detached as he needed more time to ‘recover’, so he tried to wing it with his words as he tried to control the red on his face. “What I meant to say, was that I wouldn’t mind for, uh to enjoy that, uh delictable and exotic thing for ourselves, yes that it!”

the one thing I am terrible at and its flirting and innuendo talk! Ugh, I must sound terrible with my words! thought Phobai as he wish he could facepalm. (done)

With a giggle, Mari spoke, “then we do after meal.” Continuing to help him along through the halls. (end)

Quickly nodding, Phobia could safely say that despite the fact he wasn’t good at this...romance thing? He was at least good enough to have Mari to consider him a potential mate. Which was saying a lot for the Striped.

Even more as he would admit he had been...enjoying the times they were in the bed by themselves. A lot more than he would’ve thought. Then again, she was taught on how to use sex as a tool, so it was possible she was using her experiences to make him tensed up before unwinding him. But part of him didn’t mind, since it meant that they could talk like this, it was...strangely exciting to have Mari smile to him and talk in a way like this. Even if it was all broken speech.

He although knew that she was holding out at him, mostly waiting till he was ‘better’, which would take time with the bowls...but he was glad she was there for him...because for the first time since he had to leave the Isles? He honestly felt no one was by his side, nor cared for him...and Mari gave a...comforting presence to him. Despite her being different, he felt he could lower his guard more around her.

(done)

It was good to be sitting in a chair once more, overseeing his ship and his Golems. It was also nice to have a very attractive female clinging to his side, even near snuggling him and sitting on his lap. Phobia could say, he felt rather great about himself. Even the weeks of having those bowls ringing out their tunes helped him feel worlds better. Add in the new arm-- one he half tweaked along with Jiru as he recovered more and more? Phobia would say he felt great even!

Still, he had to wonder what happened to the ship while he was out of commision. It had acted real oddly one day. A few sprinklers going off, the boilers, the vents and the pipes acting up… but it passed, though both Jiru and Scrappy had no idea how to explain what happened. He looked about and found nothing wrong so… really, it was just some odd occurrence.

From out the viewing port, Phobia could see nothing more than wide sands and arid heat. From the directions Nibbles gave to Nowa? They were some week still away from the Mage’s old hideout, and they really needed to land sooner or later for some extra fuel. Nowa mostly doing so out of preparation and caution. They were on their way to stop at a city now, and plan to maybe just head out once they were done refueling. (End)

Phobia didn’t recall which city they were stopping by, but in all honesty he didn’t admitally cared. Mostly as long as it gave him the fuel and gave them a bit of supplies, they could go on their merry way. But he did had to admit, that having Mari sitting in his lap and clinging to his side with her head laying on his left shoulder? Was probably one of the more relaxing and enjoyable things he experienced, probably even more than Najat if he would willing admit to it.

Sure Najat was downright sexy and had a fluffy tail for him to feel up, but Mari was sexy herself. She also was close to his side as she had 3 tails that were fluffy! Granted he wasn’t allowed to touch them just yet, mostly since they weren’t ‘mated’, but in hindsight? Phobia could probably be happy he had Mari snuggling to his side and on his lap.

Scrappy, who was sitting on his haunches by Phobia left side in the chair, slowly turn his head as he examined the sight. While it was odd for such biological needs and to see a female nearly latched onto Phobia? Scrappy processors could estimated that due to Mari being by his ‘Father’ side constantly and with the gem bowls ‘tuning’ him? The stress levels were decreasing with each day, slowly, but surely as the last time he check Phobia, they were down by 45%.

Now? He was certain that by the end of the month, Phobia will reach down in the 20% area, which would mean that Phobia would have no need to kill himself. Which was good in Scrappy mind. However Scrappy questioned on something as he look to Mari and address to her. “Mari, it is good that you have helped assisted and be close to Phobia, even more so to help him when he was recovering. However there has been something that has been bothering since the operation.” then asked. “Why is it that you sitting on his lap in that odd fashion?” going on to tilt his head as he added. “Is there some purpose to this ‘snuggling’ that has been stated, when you can simply lay yourself onto Phobia body?” (done)

With a simple glance, Mari told, “you would not understand, Scrap.” And resumed relaxing on Phobia. (end)

Scrappy stare at her, then turn to Phobia as if he would answer the question. The Striped in turn soon said. “Its...well, its comfortable, that's all I can say, Scrappy.” feeling her weight on him slightly and on his left arm and shoulder as Phobia look to Nowa quickly and asked. “How long till we reach the city Nowa? A few more days at best?” Trying to change the subject about the ‘snuggling’ as Mari was technically right, Scrappy wouldn’t understand...at least, not yet.(Done)

Gaining a smile and glancing back, Nowa told, “give it a few more hours, romio. And don’t fret, ya have all the time ya want in that hour to snuggle, cuddle, grop an’ feel up tha’ gal on your lap.” (end)

Giving a questioning look, Phobia asked. “Who’s Romio?” then shook his head as he said. “Nevermind, probably nothing important,” then asking. “Know anything about this city specifically Nowa? I never been to this part of Arabia before, even less of this ‘Ramada’ if I recall correctly.” He didn’t knew much of Arabia or its cities, and he couldn’t ask Kan as she was more focus on business...and he may have had his attention focus on a certain white haynu vixen.

And speaking of vixen, while he was snuggling and cuddling, he didn’t do much groping...Mostly because he was partially unsure on if he would grope or not. He did however move his left arm to move around the vixen body to just have her close, or as close as could be as she seem to be keeping sure she was close enough. It was the thought that counted in his opinion.

But he did want at least a heads up if they were going to have trouble in this city. Or something more than just the common trouble. (done)

“Not much to say.” Nowa told, “place ain’t half bad, though I heard it had a bit of a li’lle infight happen between the Sultan and his brother. Don’t know who’s in charge now really.” The mare gave a partial shrug and said, “Ain’t much to talk about really.” (end)

Phobia let out a low hum to this, but didn’t thought too much on it. For him it was another city to get fuel and go, nothing more than that. He did however paid attention more to the vixen close to him, part of him couldn’t help but recall just mere months back that he ‘won’ her from that contest, and after going with his guts on helping her with that collar? He unknowingly open a new path, one that showed Mari willing to love him, even have him as a mate-- within the condition he would be ‘better’.

Which was something he was willing to do, even more push himself to attain the reality of having Mari around and close to his side as a mate. Sure she was around him as a ‘lover’, but it wasn’t the real thing for the Kitsune as she was doing this to help encourage him to be better. The Striped knew that despite part of him thinking they were together? Another part reminded that it won’t be ‘permitted’ until he was better.

Yet he wasn’t sure when that would be shown.

Even more with him using the bowls, as while they helped him with his ‘tunes’? He could still feel more...he wasn’t sure what it was in him, but he was certain it was a ‘wrongness’ in him. Then again his body was still recovering from the saturated magic, so who knows how long that will be. What Phobia did know, was that his desire for the ‘New Dread Empire’ were slowly dulling.

At first he didn’t knew why such thoughts weren’t his main focus, but yet...he knew the answer as it became obvious. With what Najat talk to him of being a ‘good leader’, and wanting to try to be better to have Mari by his side permanently? World Domination wasn’t something he consider as worthwhile anymore. Internally, Phobia consider that such thoughts crept up was...because he was sick in the head, far more than the usual Racky a Striped would have.

Or maybe it was spite formed after he was Exiled. That or it was a mixture of being unhinged and wanting revenge.

But in a way? Perhaps it was for the best, as maybe...maybe he didn’t need to rule the world, maybe he didn’t need to take control. Maybe, just maybe….he just wanted attention? Just something to show he was seen and heard, even if it was negative attention. Although Phobia didn’t realized it, but he was using his left hand to actually pet Mari head while he was lost in thought in his mind the entire time. (done)

She peeked at him a bit more openly with an eye, but didn’t comment and let him be. Mostly half enjoying the sensation of that hand through her fur some and relaxing back. PArt of her wondered what he was thinking… but another part figured she would find out later.

Nowa paid no mind, focusing on the sands ahead and keeping an eye out for any cheeky pirates, slavers or scavengers wanting to have a easy go at a ship like this. Though, she doubted any could do much. Phobia’s ship was pretty hardy, and while some of it was gutted and returned? Well, Nowa was sure it could still outperform most ships.

Half squinting her eyes, Nowa told, “alright, we should be reaching port soon.” Seeming to advise, “keep your nose clean and try not to make a mess. I don’t know who’s in charge now, but if the original sultan is around? I can tell you, he will be pissed off something more if you start making any mess in his town.” (end)

Getting out of his thoughts, Phobia asked. “And if its the other one?” He pause briefly, as he noticed his hand was touching something rather...soft-like. Slowly glancing his eyes down, he noticed he was petting Mari head as he thought. I don’t know if this is good for me...or disappointing somehow. Phobia figure to ask to Mari. “How long have I’ve been petting your head? And is it a good thing or a bad thing?” (done)

With a small giggle, Mari told, “hand not broken, yes?” Making him unsure if that was a good thing, or a possibly bad thing. “Have been at it for while, Phob. I not mind it.” Though flicked a tail up to tell, “will, if touch tails. Make line there.” (end)

Well...at least she warned me, and I know where to touch in the future for now. thought the Striped as he glance back to Nowa as he said. “We should probably just get our fuel, make a few trades then leave. Mostly since the sooner we reach to this place, the sooner we can keep moving to get those Twins out and get our Hernos back.”

Scrappy spoke in agreement. “Agreed.” He turn to Nowa to ask. “Will you make the usual swindling moves to gain riches, Navigator Nowa?” (done)

“Corse I be doin’ that!” Nowa grinned ever so widely, “Kan and I got a date with gold, and we be planning to take it in the largest bags we can!” Then added in on the side, “after we spend some on ship-needs. Fuel ain’t the only thing we be needing.” Going on to tell, “and I think that Zaki lass is going out with that body-guard of a hunk by her side and those two cats to get some new supplies since that freak-water accident in the med-bay.” (end)

“I’m still trying to figure out how that happen.” remarked Phobia as he let out a huff. “It took my Engineer golems hours to repair that accident!”

“It is something I am still calculating myself, Phobia.” looking to the Striped as Scrappy tilt his head to ask. “Will you go out into the city and explore around as per usual, Phobia?”

The Striped thought for a brief moment, then shook his head as he told. “Not this time.” then jab a thumb back to the doorway as he went on. “I got that Hydra golem still needing work on. Mostly on getting its body ready,” then added. “And I still need to work on your new chassis, Scrappy.”

Ears perking to this, Scrappy look to Phobia fully and nod his head. “That is highly acceptable and should be done post haste.” (done)

Shaking her head, Mari told to Phobia, “will be around ship, have few little things want to do.”

“Like what, gettin’ ready for a rut?” Half joked Nowa with a knowing look.

Mari only smiled innocently, “is Mercenary most jealous Mari have man by side?” Causing Nowa to blink-- then laugh out.

After a moment, Nowa chuckled, “sharp girl, sharp.” Mari only smiling to her. “Call you a whore, then callin’ me plain jealous like I need it. Wonder how prissy pricks will take that mouth of yours.”

“As well as one might expect from one most trained in oral.” Told Mari, making Phobia stumble at the mere thought of where that could lead, “am most good with words.” Then wonder if she meant that, or also the double-meaning innuendo… or something else. It was sometimes hard to tell with her, and Nowa only laughed away. (end)

Giving a glance to Mari, Phobia asked with a slight raise of a brow and cautious tone. “Mari, are you just messing like usual, or was that a double innuendo like always?” (Done)

She only gave the striped a smile and spoke, “is Phob asking for something more? Can make happen.” Snuggling up to him more. (end)

Blushing a bit lowly, Phobia glance to the side as he thought. For some reason I deserve to walk into that one. he did however...recalled when he experienced his first blowjob-- granted it wasn’t voluntary...it was actually downright horrible and disgusting. He shook those memories away as he glance back down to Mari and managed to say in a clear tone. “Maybe, later when you’re done with whatever you are planning to do, Mari?” then clear his throat a bit.

“I-I mean, I’m going to be a bit busy and you might be too so...maybe we can...uh…” He couldn’t help but facepalm with his right hand, abilt gently as it was made out of metal as he thought. A few weeks of being with Mari, and I’m still stuttering and having a hard time with sex and talking about it! (done)

“Poor lad.” Nowa chuckled, “still can’t form his words near ya, you got him wrapped around your finger, don’cha?”

“Not around finger.” Mari told while hugging Phobia, “am cuddling.” (End)

Feeling her body hugging him again, Phobia lower his hand as he glance to Mari and clear his throat as he said lowly. “I uh...still, hoped that ah…”

Scrappy look to Phobia as the golem remarked. “Phobia, how is it that you are still having trouble to openly talk about sex with a Kitsune that used sex as a tool and know all forms of it?”

“It’s a habit from being the Isles, Scrappy!” defended Phobia. “You can’t just get rid of that mentality in a few weeks! Especially when they’re utterly sexy and cuddable!” (Done)

Mari only spoke on to Scrappy, “is person thing, not golem. Golem no understand such things, since golems do not have the bits that make those like us have pleasure. Is seen as special thing to most, why is most embarrassing.” (End)

“You see?” said Phobia as he was still feeling defensive as he motioned with his right hand. “It’s not exactly easy to just ask the girl you’re in a relationship if it’s alright if they give a blowjob to you!” He pause and then said. “Wait, that came out wrong somehow.” (done)

Mari asked, “so, you no want it?” Having a curious prr in her tone. (End)

Spluttering, Phobia told firmly. “Of course I do!” then pause and took in a breath and slowly let it out as he said. “It just...difficult for me to say it! I’m still getting used to all of this.” Then added as he tried to settle in his seat. “Even more when I’m...still trying to wrap my head about this, years of growing up with Striped traditions hammering in you about relationships isn’t going to suddenly stop for me.” (done)

“No.” Mari seemed to agree while her finger played with his shirt. “But can be worked out, yes?” and tugged on the collar, bringing them into a kiss.

With a glance back, Nowa rolled her eyes at the now making-out two and returned her gaze forwards. “I swear, when he had control of a girl, he hardly could get it right. Now that a girl’s wanting his dick, he can’t do a thing.” Not that Phobia could hear her, more focused on the taste of Mari’s lips more than anything else. (End)

“Do not forget,” spoke Scrappy as he moved away from the chair to stand by Nowa as he went on. “There were multiple variables of the situation of before and of now. As well of factors added into this situation.” (done)

“Jus’ saying.” Nowa spoke, “guy’s just a boneless mess when it comes to the other side of sex.” Then breathed in to say, “commin’ to port. Let’s hope no trouble happens this time around.” Having a feeling it might. So far, their luck has been almost crummy when it came to Arabia. (end)

Scrappy didn’t comment further, as the golem focused on the city as it seem to be like most, made of Stone, Looking Of average condition in architecture, and simplistic. Or at least until you move into the streets.

When they move the ship to land in port, Scrappy moved his attention to Clanky. “Inform crew we have arrived in Ramada.”

“Yes sir, Favorite-One.” One handed salute as the golem activated the comms. “We’ve arrive in Ramada, take heed of around you, because we ain’t going to be around.”

Clicky turn his head and Told to Nowa. “Go on ahead Navigator! We’ll keep watch on the Destroyer Of Hopes and Dreams™.” (Done)

She nodded and moved away from the wheel, figuring to get Kan out of her room and see the light of day again. They had plenty to trade off and plenty more to swindle into their ship. The very thought made her grin.